As Roma prepares for a crucial stretch of matches, including a midweek cup clash and an upcoming Europa League playoff against Porto, manager Claudio Ranieri is expected to make several changes to his lineup for Sunday’s Serie A fixture with Venezia.
Striker Artem Dovbyk is poised to reclaim his spot in the starting eleven, while midfield stalwarts Bryan Cristante and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini are likely to be reintegrated into the team. Their return comes at an opportune time, as key midfielder Manu Kone is unavailable due to suspension.
The Giallorossi’s defence receives a boost with the return of Italian international Gianluca Mancini, who was forced to sit out the team’s recent Coppa Italia quarter-final loss. Roma’s squad depth has been further enhanced by the availability of new recruits Devyne Rensch, Lucas Gourna-Douath, and Anass Salah-Eddine.
Meanwhile, Venezia have undergone significant changes following a hectic conclusion to the winter transfer window. The most notable departure is that of top scorer Joel Pohjanpalo, who has joined Serie B outfit Palermo. In his absence, newcomer Daniel Fila will compete with John Yeboah and Christian Gytkjaer for the vacant forward position.
The Lagunari continue to grapple with a lengthy injury list, including Michael Svoboda, Marin Sverko, Richie Sagrado, Alfred Duncan, and Domen Crnigoj. Adding to their woes, first-choice goalkeeper Filip Stankovic, on loan from Inter Milan, has been ruled out until next month. As a result, Ionut Radu is expected to step in between the posts.
Venezia (3-5-2): Radu; Haps, Idzes, Cande; Zerbin, Perez, Nicolussi Caviglia, Busio, Ellertsson; Oristanio, Fila
Roma (4-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Cristante, Paredes, Angelino; Dybala, Pellegrini; Dovbyk
