Roma vs Brighton
UEFA Europa League
Round of 16
Thursday
7th March 2024
Olimpico
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Europa League fixture between Roma and Brighton.
Roma vs Brighton: Preview
Roma form analysis
Roma’s recent European form shows defensive fragility but enough attacking firepower to grind out results under Jose Mourinho. They started their Europa League campaign poorly however, falling 2-0 away to Slavia Prague on November 9th in a lackluster display lacking cutting edge. Roma showed some improvement by taking the lead away to Servette through Lukaku on December 1st but failed to build on it, letting their advantage slip in the second half to draw 1-1. Signs of their trademark defensive resilience returned during a controlled 3-0 home win over Sheriff on December 14th, Lukaku and Belotti easing knockout qualification nerves.
A thrilling 1-1 draw away to dangerous Feyenoord in their playoff first leg on February 15th further highlighted Roma’s defensive vulnerabilities however, despite Lukaku equalizing after going behind. Yet they showed trademark powers of recovery last week by fighting back from an early deficit in the return leg draw 1-1, with captain Pellegrini sparing blushes. Overall Roma’s form suggests that while they carry attacking threats and know how to grind out results, shoring up defensively both on set pieces and in transitions remains crucial if they are to trouble likely next opponents Brighton.
Brighton form analysis
Brighton’s recent European form suggests a solid, well-organized unit carrying just enough attacking threat to grind out results under new coach Roberto De Zerbi. They started brightly by fighting back from 2-0 down away to French giants Marseille to draw 2-2 on October 5th, showing powers of recovery as Gross and João Pedro struck late on. Building on this, Brighton excelled defensively during impressive back-to-back 2-0 wins over Ajax, silencing their much-vaunted attack while scoring through the likes of Ansu Fati.
Away to Greek outfit AEK Athens on November 30th, Brighton needed just a draw to secure top spot but ground out another narrow 1-0 victory regardless as João Pedro converted a penalty to underline their progress under De Zerbi. They ended the group stages by beating Marseille 1-0 through another late João Pedro goal to assert control against tricky opposition and finish as pool winners. Overall Brighton’s form paints the picture of an organized, efficient unit who make up for their lack of star names with superb defensive solidarity and just enough attacking spark from the likes of João Pedro and Japan international Mitoma.
