Roma will surely be flying high after their 2-1 win over rivals and reigning champions Juventus, but can they avoid a hangover and come out with a win over newly promoted Frosinone?
Beating Juventus in the previous match week will be a huge boost for Roma, and now they face a Frosinone side coming off of a 2-0 loss against Atalanta. The last two matches have been tough introductions to what life is like in Serie A, and we will learn a lot about how competitive they’ll be this season after this match. The Giallorossi will surely be expecting all three points from this contest, whereas Frosinone will be content to walk away with just one. Last year though, these were the types of games Roma could not win, the ones that cost them dearly in the Scudetto race. Much will be learned about how serious a contender this years side will be after the match against their local rivals.
Roma
Many of Roma’s players put in spectacular performances over the international break, and they’ll be looking to continue that form as Serie A resumes again. Edin Dzeko will look to continue his impressive form in particular, as it appears more and more likely that he is the striking option Roma have coveted for so long. Along with him, Mo Salah and Iago Falque will look to continue developing and meshing with their new teammates. The strike force will be the key to the game, and them putting pressure on the already weak Frosinone defense will decide if they dominate the game or get toppled. That being said however, the Lupi defense will need to be resolute in order to stop any potential threats the Canarini attack may make. Look for Dzeko to get on goal quite often and try to get shots by young Juve-owned ‘keeper Nicola Leali. One variable worth noting, is the upcoming Champions League against FC Barcelona, which may distract the Capitoline side from the task at hand. The Giallorossi will again be without Kevin Strootman, as well Miralem Pjanic, who picked up a thigh injury playing for Bosnia over the international break. Maicon and Vasilis Torosidis also remain doubtful for the match.
Probable Formation (4-3-1-2): Szczesny; Digne, Manolas, De Rossi, Florenzi; Ucan, Nainggolan, Keita; Totti; Salah, Dzeko
Frosinone
Two matches in and the Ciociari are becoming battle tested, and they’ll face their biggest test yet against Roma. The side with the lowest wage bill in Serie A excel in no one particular area, and will need a bit of help to walk away with three points at home. Frosinone’s most potent attackers are Inter-owned Samuele Longo and young Roma starlet Daniele Verde, the latter of whom is most likely to garner the start come Saturday. They’ll likely be hoping to score early and park the bus afterwards, as they have a terrific young shot stopper in Nicola Leali. However, the defense and midfield in front of him lack talent and experience, something that has shown in their first two Serie A matches. I’d typically call their chances pretty slim, but I’ve never been convinced by how Roma handle the minnows of the peninsula, so if they can shellshock early, they have a chance. Nicolas Castillo is the only Gialloazzurri player confirmed to be out, while defenders Aleandro Rosi and Leandro Blanchard are both doubtful, but will likely suit up if healthy.
Probable Formation (4-4-2): Leali; Rosi, Diakite, Pavlovic, Crivello; Paganini, Gori, Gucher, Soddimo; Longo, Dionisi
Notable Quotes
Rudi Garcia, Roma Coach
“The first thing I want to say is that Frosinone thoroughly deserve to be in Serie A. I’ve watched their games from last year and their promotion was no fluke. They deserve great respect for that. Roma need to play at 100% and at a high tempo, just as we did against Juventus.”
“Respect comes naturally whether you’re playing the big sides or teams who, on paper, are smaller. We’ll start as favorites tomorrow but we have to prove that we are that tag.”
“People always talk about the balance of a team but no matter what formation you start with your playing philosophy and approach have to remain the same. On the pitch there are players who understand each other really well”
Roberto Stellone, Frosinone Coach
“Tomorrow we have the opportunity to beat the odds, because in football the strongest on paper does not always win.“
“Just two years ago we were playing in the smallest stadiums and now we are preparing to host Roma. The lads are not afraid and we can’t wait to give our fans some points to celebrate.”
“We will give Roma a battle. We can’t fight them in terms of quality, so we’ll do it with intensity and the spirit of sacrifice. I told my men not to panic if Roma start taking control, as possession is their best quality, so we’ve got to focus on making every chance count.”
Player to watch – Nicola Leali, Frosinone
I was so tempted to pick Edin Dzeko or Francesco Totti for this one, but I decided to go a little outside of the box. Frosinone may have lost their first two Serie A matches, but that is no fault of goalkeeper Nicola Leali. The Italian international made seven stops against Atalanta last week, despite letting in two goals, he was excellent. Sure, he must organize his back four better, but at the same time given what he’s got to work with, he is performing well above expectations. The man who may well one day replace Gigi Buffon is my player to watch because if Frosinone want to escape with any points, Leali will need to be in top form. Letting in any more than a goal will surely mean a defeat for the Lazio based outfit, so if he can manage to keep it close, the Ciociari will with no doubt be in the game.
Score Prediction: Frosinone 0-3 Roma
The game will be much closer than the scoreline suggests, and I think, powered by the home fans, Frosinone will fight hard. Roma will in the end just prove to be too much, but don’t be surprised if it’s 0-0 at the half.
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