GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
Roma put in a performance to remember against Chelsea a couple of weeks ago, and now it's time to do it all over again.
Following on from the entertaining visit to Stamford Bridge, Roma now play hosts to the London side in one of the most important games in recent memory. Having shown they could compete against the Premier League champions in the 3-3 draw, Roma now have to prove that that result was no fluke. Once again, for ninety minutes, Di Francesco's team will have to work extremely hard and make a good account of themselves. Chelsea are a tough opponent, but one that Roma will need to take points from if they are to have a good chance of getting out of the group stages. Here's what we learnt about them from the previous encounter. Form: Like Roma, Chelsea have recorded three successive wins since the last meeting between the two sides. However, unlike Roma, the Blues have conceded goals in that time. Watford put two past them, and they let in one against Everton. Nonetheless, they have outscored all three of their opponents, meaning they find themselves fourth in the English top flight. The Coach: Antonio Conte A name very familiar to fans of Italian football, Conte masterminded the national team to the quarter finals of Euro 2016, beyond all expectations. Since then, he has returned to club management, delivering the Premier League crown in his first season at Chelsea. A very passionate manager, Conte expends a lot of energy on the touchlines to help his team gain as many points as possible. Conte has most often utilised a back three with Chelsea and tomorrow should be no different. What remains to be seen is what will be fielded ahead of the centre backs - he usually opts for a 3-4-3, but played something closer to a 3-5-2 last time against Roma. The Key Player: Eden Hazard Left winger Hazard, on his day, is one of the best players in the Premier League. Since switching to a 3-4-3 early last season, Conte has been able to get the best out of his star man, who has been given the attacking freedom that he relishes. A tricky player to play against, he scored two very good goals against Roma a fortnight ago. The Familiar Face: Antonio Rudiger The German defender played for Roma in the previous two seasons and was a key member of the team's backline. Deployed mainly as a centre back during his time in Rome, but sometimes as a right back, Rudiger's athletic ability helps him mark the most dangerous of opponents. He made a brief cameo against his former club on 18th October, and Conte could turn to him again upon his return to Italy. Prediction: Chelsea have several world class players who can help their system operate efficiently, but Roma have big players too. It will need to be a step up from the last three performances on Roma's part, but who would complain if EDF's team could clinch another 1-0 win, this time against the group's top seed? Realistically, both teams will be expected to score, and it will be a difficult game - but Roma must try to match the levels they reached in the reverse fixture. After the performance in London, Roma can't be written off.
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samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
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October 2019
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