Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that the only player missing from his squad for the upcoming match against Viktoria Plzen is Angelino. Tests are underway regarding Angelino’s medical condition, but Gasperini expressed hope for his swift recovery. Other than Angelino, the team is fully available for the match scheduled on Thursday.
Expected Lineups for Roma vs Viktoria Plzen
Although Leon Bailey recently made his season debut, Gasperini indicated that he is not likely to start against Viktoria Plzen. He emphasized that any player on the pitch can be considered a first-choice, whether they are starters or substitutes. While Bailey can contribute, he may need some time to regain full fitness.
Attacking Options
Artem Dovbyk is anticipated to start as the primary striker, flanked by Stephan El Shaarawy and Paulo Dybala. This marks a return for Dybala to his traditional positioning behind the striker, which will be beneficial for the team’s dynamics. Gasperini noted that the modern game necessitates a rotation of strikers due to the five-substitution rule.
Game Strategy and Expectations
In a recent match against Inter, Dybala was deployed as a false 9, which will not be repeated in this fixture. Gasperini reflected on the challenges faced in that game, particularly after conceding an early goal. He stressed the importance of adaptability throughout the match, as the game can evolve significantly over 90 minutes.
Potential Changes to the Squad
- Players Bryan Cristante and Evan Ndicka might be rested for this match.
- Neil El Ayanoui is expected to partner with Manu Koné in central midfield.
- Mario Hermoso could be given the nod in the back three, rather than Jan Ziolkowski.
Final Squad Decisions
As the match day approaches, Gasperini has not finalized his lineup. He will assess the players’ conditions after the last training session before making his decisions. Currently, the projected starting formation for Roma includes:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Svilar |
| Defender | Çelik |
| Defender | Mancini |
| Defender | Hermoso |
| Midfielder | Wesley |
| Midfielder | Koné |
| Midfielder | El Aynaoui |
| Midfielder | Tsimikas |
| Forward | Dybala |
| Forward | El Shaarawy |
| Forward | Dovbyk |
This strategic setup aims to bring a balanced attack while utilizing the team’s depth effectively. Fans eagerly await to see how Rome performs against Viktoria Plzen under Gasperini’s guidance.
