Roma’s performance this season has been disappointing despite a strong summer recruitment effort, as they currently sit in 12th place in Serie A with 16 points from as many matches.
Their chances of securing a European qualification have been seriously weakened, with the team’s struggles resulting in the firing of two coaches. Under Claudio Ranieri, Roma has failed to turn things around, suffering three losses in their last four games.
These include heavy defeats to Lecce (4-1), Napoli (1-0), Atalanta (2-0), and most recently Como (2-0). While Roma is 14th in the Europa League, they still have a slim chance of qualifying for the round of 16.
Parma, newly promoted this season, is also struggling, sitting 15th in the league and just one point ahead of the relegation zone. They have won only two of their last 14 league games, with five draws and seven losses.
After an unexpected victory over Lazio (3-1), they’ve returned to a poor run of form, losing to Inter (3-1) and Hellas Verona (2-3) in recent weeks.
Roma will have almost all their key players available, including midfielders Cristante and Paredes, who are fit again. Ukrainian international Dovbyk, who scored four goals in Serie A, could be in line for a starting spot alongside Dybala. Experienced defender Hummels is expected to start in the three-man defense.
One of Roma’s few bright spots this season has been French international Manu Koné. On the other hand, Parma’s squad is depleted due to the absence of key players like Circati, Osorio, Bernabe, Charpentier, and substitutes Kowalski and Valenti.
Swiss midfielder Sohm made a notable impact with a double last time out. Parma’s attacking options will likely include Dennis Man (4 goals, 3 assists) and Bonny (4 goals).
Prediction
Roma has been involved in low-scoring matches lately. In their last 20 away games in Serie A, no more than three goals have been scored in 19 of them, with the exception of a thrilling home win last month. Similarly, 18 of Roma’s most recent 20 home matches have featured fewer than 3.5 goals.
Prediction: Roma 1-1 Parma.
