As AS Roma prepares for their Europa League clash against Athletic Bilbao, manager Ivan Juric is poised to implement several changes to his starting lineup following a resounding 3-0 victory over Udinese. The upcoming match presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the team to solidify their early-season form.
Squad Rotation Ahead of Europa League
In his recent press conference, Juric hinted at the possibility of squad rotation, stating, “We still have to decide and we have another training session tomorrow morning. We’ll certainly make a few changes, but we haven’t decided who yet.” This cautious approach underscores the importance of maintaining player fitness while optimizing the team’s performance against a formidable opponent.
𝗙𝗧: 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮 𝟭-𝟭 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗮𝗼 🟡🔴
A Tale of Two Halves…
Roma was far superior in the first half. They had a lot of the ball and were looking threatening. Although Bilbao held a lot of the ball in the second half, they really weren’t too threatening. They did well to keep… pic.twitter.com/KkmYUzGCrb
— 𝗘𝗻𝘇𝗼 💛❤️ (@pure_romanista) September 26, 2024Injury Concerns: Pellegrini Ruled Out
One significant change to the lineup will be the absence of Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has been sidelined due to a knee injury. Juric confirmed, “He won’t be involved tomorrow. Although he wasn’t sure about the last game, he was determined to win at any costs. However, he felt a bit of pain in his knee.” Despite this setback, Juric remains optimistic about Pellegrini’s recovery for future matches. “He looks good,” he added, reflecting the positive atmosphere within the squad.
Midfield Adjustments: Who Will Replace Pellegrini?
With Pellegrini out, the attention shifts to who will step into the attacking midfield role. Juric has ruled out Bryan Cristante taking up this position, preferring him in a central midfield role instead. I see him more as a central midfielder. He’s a tidy player who dictates play and understands what’s happening on the pitch,” Juric explained. This leaves Tomasso Baldanzi and Matías Soulé as potential candidates to fill the gap, with Baldanzi emerging as the frontrunner for his first start alongside Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk in the attack.
Dybala’s Fitness: A Game-Time Decision
Dybala’s fitness will be another critical factor heading into the match. Juric expressed caution regarding the star player, stating, “We need to assess things. He is a unique player when he is in peak physical condition. We’ll choose game by game.” If Dybala does not start, Soulé would likely occupy the attacking midfield role, which Juric believes suits him best. “I see him as a trequartista. He can go wide but I don’t really see him covering the entire flank,” he remarked.
Defensive Lineup: The Back Three
Defensively, Roma is expected to adopt a back three, featuring Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso, and Evan Ndicka. Mats Hummels is not yet ready for his debut, as confirmed by Juric. “He’s not at his best yet, but he looks like a very positive player,” Juric noted about Hummels, expressing hope that he will soon be ready to contribute.
Wing-Back Options: Çelik and Angeliño
In the wing-back positions, Zeki Çelik and Angeliño are anticipated to start. Juric has praised Angeliño’s versatility and performance, drawing a comparison to former player Federico Dimarco. “He can play in both positions. The other day, I thought he played extremely well. He defended superbly,” Juric stated, emphasizing the player’s adaptability in both defensive and offensive roles.
Midfield Dynamics: Cristante and Koné
In the midfield, Bryan Cristante is expected to play a pivotal role, with either Manu Koné or Niccolò Pisilli likely joining him. Sky Sport has tipped Koné to feature prominently, and Juric shared his thoughts on the young midfielder. “Koné has great capabilities and quality. In the last few days, I have seen much more concentration from him. He’s a talented guy to work with, with great potential,” Juric remarked.
Previewing Athletic Bilbao
As Roma gears up for this crucial encounter, they face a resilient Athletic Bilbao side known for their defensive solidity and dangerous counter-attacks. Juric has acknowledged the challenges posed by the Basque club, stating, “Athletic are a very good team, very difficult to break down. They’ve improved, and they function particularly well at the counter.
Focus on Team Performance
Looking ahead, Juric emphasized the importance of focusing on team dynamics rather than individual performances. At this time I’m very focused on the team. There is a lot to do in these 10 days; we have to work on many concepts,” he stated, showcasing his commitment to refining the team’s tactical approach.
Conclusion: Roma’s Anticipated Lineup Against Athletic
As the matchday approaches, Roma fans eagerly anticipate seeing how Juric’s tactical decisions will unfold on the pitch. With key players absent and others stepping into vital roles, the team’s resilience and adaptability will be tested against a strong Athletic Bilbao side.
Expected Starting XI for Roma (3-4-2-1):
Goalkeeper: Svilar
Defenders: Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso
Midfielders: Çelik, Pisilli, Cristante, Angeliño
Forwards: Dybala, Baldanzi
Striker: Dovbyk
This matchup promises to be an exciting kickoff to Roma’s Europa League campaign, and fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds under Juric’s leadership.
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