Roma vs Empoli – Serie A: Match Preview & Predicted Lineups | OneFootball

Roma are back at the Stadio Olimpico when they welcome Empoli to the Italian capital on Sunday evening.

Coming off a draw against Cagliari, Daniele De Rossi’s men are seeking their first win as they return home this weekend to host the Tuscans in round two of Serie A.

The Giallorossi endured a tumultuous week after it appeared Paulo Dybala was set for a transfer exit. However, the Argentine reversed course and opted to stay—a decision that was lauded by Roma supporters, some of whom sang chants outside his home.

Meanwhile, Empoli will also be searching for their first win after they were also held to a goalless draw in their season opener versus Monza.

Roma

The chaos surrounding the future star forward Paulo Dybala was finally put to rest this week. After extensive negotiations, La Joya accepted a lucrative offer from Saudi side Al Qadsiah. However, he had a last gasp change of heart and revealed he’ll remain in the Italian capital.

The announcement brought a sigh of relief to Daniele De Rossi, who’s expected to start the Argentine in attack alongside Artem Dovbyk and Matias Soule.

“Dybala’s choice is very rare in today’s world of football,” admitted De Rossi during his pre-match press conference.

“It was a very emotional situation full of ups and downs. Now the fans see in him not only a technical leader, they must also be proud of him. I expect the Olimpico to give him a special welcome tomorrow.”

In midfield, the Giallorossi welcome back Leandro Paredes from suspension. He’s likely to be joined by Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini while Zeki Celik, Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, and Angelino favored to start in defence.

Empoli

On the other side, the visitors travel to the Italian capital with one goal in mind: earn a result. After narrowly escaping relegation in the final minutes of last season, manager Roberto D’Aversa, who’s suspended for the game, acknowledged his side encounter a tough atmosphere—especially after Dybala’s decision.

“Clearly, it will be a completely different match than last week; we will encounter a very heated atmosphere, especially considering that Dybala has stayed,” explained D’Aversaa.

“The stadium will be very supportive of their team. Against Monza, we had chances to bring home a full result, but we didn’t succeed. To leave the Stadio Olimpico with a positive result tomorrow, we will need to give more than 100 percent because sometimes, when you face big teams, even 100 percent might not be enough.”

Adding, “We know we will be facing a great team, on paper stronger than us, but if we want to leave with a positive result, we will need to be brave and perform well in both phases of the game to force them into playing a match they don’t like. We cannot afford to give anything less than over 100 percent.”

As for absences, the Tuscans will be without midfielder Szymon Zurkowski, defender Tyronne Ebuehi and goalkeeper Samuele Perisan due to injury. Meanwhile, Alberto Grassi will serve a one-match suspension.

Predicted Lineups

ROMA (4-3-2-1): Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala Soulé; Dovbyk

Unavailable: Rick Karsdorp, Eldor Shomurodov

EMPOLI (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Walukiewicz, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Haas, Henderson, Pezzella; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo

Unavailable: Alberto Grassi, Szymon Zurkowski, Tyronne Ebuehi, Samuele Perisan