Roma will look to secure back-to-back Serie A victories for the first time this season when they host newly-promoted Venezia at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.
After a disappointing start to the campaign that saw club legend Daniele De Rossi dismissed, Roma have shown signs of life under new manager Ivan Juric. The Giallorossi secured their first league win last weekend, dispatching Udinese 3-0 with goals from Artem Dovbyk, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Paulo Dybala.
Juric’s side followed that up with a creditable 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao in their Europa League opener on Thursday. While Roma were unable to hold onto their lead, the performance demonstrated further progress under the Croatian tactician.
However, Roma’s home form remains a concern. They have won just two of their last seven matches at the Stadio Olimpico in all competitions, a stark contrast to their previous run of five wins in six. Addressing this issue will be crucial for Juric as he looks to guide Roma up the table.
Venezia arrive in the capital buoyed by their first win of the season, a 2-0 victory over Genoa last weekend. The result lifted the Lagunari off the bottom of the table, but they still face a significant challenge against Roma.
History is not on Venezia’s side. They have not won a top-flight match away to Roma since 1947, failing to secure victory in their last eight attempts in the capital. Current Venezia manager Eusebio Di Francesco, who previously coached Roma, has a particularly poor record against his former club, losing nine of 12 previous meetings.
Roma’s offensive capabilities will be put to the test against a Venezia side that has struggled defensively, particularly in the opening stages of matches. The Lagunari have conceded the most goals in the first 30 minutes of play in Serie A this season, averaging one per game.
If Roma can capitalize on this vulnerability early, it could set the tone for a comfortable victory. However, Venezia will be desperate to tighten up at the back and frustrate their more illustrious opponents.
Team News
Roma may be without Paulo Dybala, who was forced off at halftime against Athletic Bilbao due to a muscular issue. Matias Soule is likely to deputize in attack, supporting the in-form Artem Dovbyk. Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini is expected to return from a knee problem, bolstering the midfield.
For Venezia, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia returns from suspension, providing Di Francesco with an additional midfield option. Joel Pohjanpalo, who scored last weekend, is set to lead the line once again, with support from Gaetano Oristanio and the creative Gianluca Busio.
Expected Starting XIs
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Abdulhamid, Pisilli, Cristante, Angelino; Soule, Pellegrini; Dovbyk
Venezia: Joronen; Idzes, Svoboda, Sverko; Candela, Andersen, Nicolussi Caviglia, Busio, Zampano; Oristanio; Pohjanpalo
Match Prediction
While Venezia will be buoyed by their recent win, the task of facing Roma at the Stadio Olimpico remains daunting. The Giallorossi appear to be finding their feet under Juric and should have too much quality for the visitors.
Roma’s attacking talent, even in the potential absence of Dybala, should prove decisive against a Venezia defense that has looked shaky in the early stages of the season. Expect the hosts to secure a comfortable victory and continue their climb up the Serie A table.
Prediction: Roma 2-0 Venezia
