Ranieri: ‘Empoli will be aggressive and powerful’ against Roma | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri explains why he made nine changes to the Roma side that beat Athletic Club, insisting Empoli ‘will be aggressive, quick and put in a powerful performance.’

It kicks off at the Castellani Computer Gross Arena at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

It is a remarkable period of form for the Giallorossi, who won eight of their last 11 competitive matches, losing only the Coppa Italia quarter-final to Milan.

That included a thrilling last-gasp victory over Athletic Club in the Europa League Round of 16, but with the second leg coming up in Bilbao on Thursday, they need to rotate the squad, leaving Paulo Dybala and Zeki Celik at home.

“I cancel out the past and am not thinking about it. I put the blinkers on at the start and just try to do better every time, in each training session and match,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.

Ranieri not choosing between Roma tournaments

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Angelino of Roma celebrates scoring his teams third goal of the game with teammates during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Monza at Stadio Olimpico on February 24, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Ranieri has well and truly rotated the squad, making nine changes from the starting XI that beat Athletic Club 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I don’t think I’ve ever made so many changes, but the lads used up so much energy on Thursday, both physical and mental. There can be difficulties, because these players are not accustomed to being together in a match situation, but I have full faith in them.”

However, that certainly does not mean Ranieri is choosing the Europa League above his Serie A commitments, nor is he downplaying the danger of facing Empoli.

“My philosophy is to take it one game at a time. I don’t want us to make choices or try to lean more on one tournament than another, that is not the way to go,” insisted Ranieri.

“I said from the moment we started the second half of the season, it doesn’t matter who you face, it will be a difficult match. We need to be aggressive, quick and play vertical passes, we must put in a powerful performance, because we know that is what Empoli will do.”

As Athletic Club are considered one of the favourites to win the Europa League this season, Ranieri was asked if eliminating them could make Roma among the top candidates for the trophy?

“I think it’s a bit much to be looking towards the Final. As soon as we are on the train back from Empoli, then I can start to think about Bilbao. I worked in Spain, I know what the atmosphere is like there, and it will be a fantastic game of football. But for now, let’s focus on Empoli.”