Roma will be looking for their first win of the new season when they host Empoli at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, after both teams struggled to find the net in their opening matches. The Giallorossi were held to a goalless draw against Cagliari, while Empoli also finished their match against Monza without scoring.
Following the departure of Jose Mourinho, Daniele De Rossi has taken the helm at Roma, earning a three-year contract after a successful audition as head coach. The club has made several notable signings, including Artem Dovbyk, Matias Soule, and Enzo Le Fee. However, retaining star player Paulo Dybala has emerged as a crucial aspect of De Rossi’s rebuilding efforts. Dybala recently turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, opting to remain in Italy for at least a few more months. Despite his uncertain future, he played a limited role as a substitute in the match against Cagliari.
Roma topped the statistics for high turnovers and regaining possession in the final third during the opening round of Serie A, but they have only managed to win one of their last eight matches across all competitions. Historically, Roma has had the upper hand against Empoli, winning eight of their last nine encounters, including a commanding 7-0 victory at home last season, which marked Empoli’s largest defeat in Serie A history. However, in their most recent meeting, Empoli secured a crucial 2-1 win in May to avoid relegation.
New Empoli coach Roberto D’Aversa aims to build on the club’s survival in the top flight, having taken over after Davide Nicola’s departure. Empoli began their competitive season with a 4-1 victory over Catanzaro in the Coppa Italia, followed by a goalless draw against Monza in their Serie A opener. They will be looking to break a long-standing trend of failing to defeat Roma in the capital, having recorded only two draws and 14 losses in their previous 16 attempts.
Team News
Paulo Dybala’s commitment to Roma could see him start on Sunday, although he faces competition from Matias Soule and Stephan El Shaarawy to partner Artem Dovbyk in attack. Tommaso Baldanzi, who made his Serie A debut with Empoli, will return to face his former club but has yet to score for Roma in 14 league appearances.
Leandro Paredes returns from suspension, giving De Rossi a full squad to choose from. In contrast, Empoli will be without Tyronne Ebuehi and Samuele Perisan due to injuries, and Szymon Zurkowski is a doubt, while Alberto Grassi is suspended. Ola Solbakken, who recently joined on loan from Roma, made his debut last weekend and will compete for a place in the attack alongside Lorenzo Colombo.
Expected Starting XIs
Roma: Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Soule, Dovbyk, Dybala
Empoli: Vasquez; Walukiewicz, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Haas, Pezzella; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo
