Roma will need a win to secure a spot in the Round of 16 when they host Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League. The Giallorossi need to win at Stadio Olimpico. They also need to hope that Slavia Prague loses to Servette to avoid going to a playoff. Their visitors are already out and will finish last regardless of what happens in Rome.
Preview (Roma vs. Sheriff Tiraspol)
Romelu Lukaku’s goal in the first half of Roma’s match against Servette last month was insufficient to secure three points in Geneva, and now, going into the last matchday, Roma’s fate in Group G is sealed. Because they have won three of their previous four games, Jose Mourinho’s team has already guaranteed a spot in the Europa League knockout stage. However, if they are unable to pass Slavia Prague, who are leading the table by two points, they will play one of eight third-place finishers from the Champions League group stage in a playoff. With Slavia’s better goal differential, the Czech team might be able to advance with just one more point.
The Giallorossi took four points from Servette and played both wins and losses of 2-0 against their rivals for the top spot earlier in the process. Now, the Serie A team will try to finish with another victory after defeating Sheriff 2-1 in Transnistria. After winning three of their last four league games, Roma welcomed Fiorentina to the Italian capital last weekend. They lost both Nicola Zalewski and first-goal scorer Lukaku to red cards in a wild final.
With a trip to fifth-place Bologna slated for this Sunday, the outcome maintained Mourinho and company inside the top four of Serie A on goal differential. However, the vanquished finalists from the previous season are now focusing on the Europa League. While Roma intends to return to the championship game the following year, Sheriff’s most recent European tour is almost over as they are unable to overtake third-place Servette in the Group G standings after winning only one of their first five games.
Team News
Inter played last week with nine men and a pivotal league matchup against Bologna is scheduled for Sunday. Jose Mourinho is probably going to make a few adjustments to his starting lineup. As Mourinho switches up his lineup, Zeki Celik, Eduardo Bove, Andrea Belotti, and backup goalkeeper Mile Svilar are all serious candidates for promotion off the bench.
Romelu Lukaku (24 goals in 38 games) and Nicola Zalewski are suspended for Serie A only. This means that both players may be allowed to return. Sardar Azmoun and Paulo Dybala both sustained injuries against Fiorentina. Evan N’Dicka, an Ivorian defender, will have to serve a one-match European ban instead. Chris Smalling is still out due to tendinitis. Tammy Abraham and Marash Kumbulla are both still recovering from ACL injuries. The latter is now getting close to making a comeback.
While everything is going on, Sheriff will have Gabriel Zohouri and Gabby Kiki back in the lineup. They were both sent off against Slavia Prague after getting red cards in a thrilling late loss to Servette. David Ankeye is now on loan from Hammam Sousse in Tunisia till the end of the season. This season, he has already scored eight goals and contributed two assists. At Stadio Olimpico, the Nigerian striker ought to get the ball first, assisted by Ricardinho or Henrique Luvannor.
Roma 2 – 1 Sheriff Tiraspol
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