As the UEFA Europa League league phase reaches its climactic finale, Roma find themselves in a precarious position as they prepare to host Eintracht Frankfurt at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening. The stakes could not be higher for the Giallorossi, who must secure a victory to guarantee their progression to the knockout rounds. In contrast, their German visitors have already booked their ticket to the next stage and sit comfortably in second place.
Claudio Ranieri’s Roma side stands at a crossroads in their European journey. A club with a rich continental history faces the very real prospect of an early exit from European competition for the first time in a decade. The Giallorossi have never fallen at the first hurdle in the Europa League or its predecessor, the UEFA Cup, but their inconsistent form this season has left them teetering on the brink.
Last week’s 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar was a significant setback, drawing uncharacteristically harsh criticism from the usually affable Ranieri. With just two wins from seven games in the competition, Roma’s European form has mirrored their domestic struggles. They currently occupy ninth place in Serie A, a considerable distance behind their city rivals Lazio, who lead the Europa League and hold the coveted fourth Champions League spot in Italy.
However, there is cause for optimism in the Roma camp. They recently ended a 13-game winless streak away from home with a 2-1 victory over Udinese in Serie A. This result, coupled with their formidable European home record – having lost just three of their last 45 home fixtures in continental competition – provides a glimmer of hope for the Italian side.
In stark contrast to their hosts, Eintracht Frankfurt approach this fixture with a sense of assurance. The German side have already secured their place in the knockout rounds and sits comfortably in second place. A single point would guarantee them a top-eight finish and direct qualification to the round of 16, bypassing the playoff stage.
Frankfurt’s journey to this point has been impressive. Last week’s 2-0 victory over Ferencvaros, featuring goals from Can Uzun and Hugo Ekitike, was their fifth win of the league phase. Despite a recent 3-2 loss to Lyon that ended an 18-match unbeaten run in the competition, Frankfurt’s away form in Europe has been stellar, with five consecutive away victories prior to that setback.
The German side’s domestic form is equally encouraging, as they currently occupy a place in the Bundesliga’s top three. Their recent 2-2 draw with Hoffenheim, highlighted by Ekitike’s brace, demonstrates their offensive potency and resilience.
Team News
Roma manager Claudio Ranieri is expected to field his strongest possible lineup for this crucial encounter. Key players such as Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Mats Hummels, who were rested or rotated in recent fixtures, are all set to return. The Italian side boasts a fully fit squad, with only Spanish center-back Mario Hermoso unavailable due to an impending transfer.
Eintracht Frankfurt, while in a more comfortable position, face some selection challenges. The recent departure of Omar Marmoush to Manchester City and the ineligibility of his replacement, Elye Wahi, for the Europa League at this stage, leaves manager Dino Toppmöller with decisions to make in attack. The likely front three of Hugo Ekitike, Can Uzun, and Mario Götze offers a blend of youth and experience that could trouble the Roma defense.
Expected Starting XIs
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Angelino; Dybala, Pellegrini; Dovbyk
Eintracht Frankfurt: Trapp; Collins, Koch, Theate; Kristensen, Skhiri, Larsson, Knauff; Uzun, Gotze; Ekitike
Match Prediction
As the teams prepare to face off at the Stadio Olimpico, the stage is set for a night of high drama and intense competition. Roma’s desperation for a win clashes with Frankfurt’s desire to maintain their momentum and secure top spot. The Giallorossi’s strong home record in Europe will be put to the test against a Frankfurt side that has shown its mettle on the road.
Prediction: Roma 1-1 Frankfurt
