AS Roma is set to continue their impressive start to the Serie A season when they host Atalanta on Saturday, September 5, at the iconic Stadio Olimpico. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:45 PM BST, and both teams are eager to secure three points as they vie for early dominance in the league.
Heading into this crucial fixture, AS Roma has received significant boosts in their squad, particularly in terms of player fitness. Star forward Paulo Dybala has fully recovered from a thigh strain that sidelined him in previous matches and has participated in the team's final training sessions. His return is expected to enhance Roma's attacking creativity as they look to build on their strong offensive form.
Defensively, Roma also welcomes back Evan Ndicka, who had been dealing with minor tissue inflammation. His availability will be assessed closer to kick-off, and should he not be fit to start, Daniele Ghilardi is ready to step in. Additionally, Leonardo Balerdi, a late-window signing, is poised for his debut, adding depth to the backline. Wing-back Devyne Rensch has also recovered from muscle fatigue and is available for selection, further strengthening the squad.
In the attacking third, a selection dilemma looms for Roma's coach as Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are both vying to partner with Dybala behind the in-form Donyell Malen, who has already netted five goals in just two matches this season. This competition for spots highlights the depth and talent within the squad as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak.
On the other side, Atalanta BC faces challenges in their defensive lineup ahead of their trip to the Olimpico. The absence of key centre-back Isak Hien, along with Kamaldeen Sulemana, necessitates adjustments in their backline. New signing Odilon Kossounou is expected to fill the void alongside Giorgio Scalvini, bringing fresh energy to the defense.
Atalanta has also bolstered their squad with notable signings, including Franck Kessié and English winger Jonathan Rowe, both of whom are in contention for their club debuts. In midfield, Lazar Samardžić is pushing for a starting role after scoring a dramatic late winner against Bologna in their last outing, which adds to the competitive atmosphere within the squad.
In terms of form, AS Roma enters this match with an unblemished record, having won their first two matches with emphatic 4-0 victories against Fiorentina and Lecce, respectively. With eight goals scored and none conceded, they are demonstrating both offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
Atalanta, matching Roma's perfect start, has also shown resilience, securing a 2-1 victory over Sassuolo and a narrow 1-0 win against Bologna. They remain unbeaten in their last five matches, which includes their successful progression in the UEFA Conference League after defeating Hapoel Tel Aviv 1-0 on aggregate.
As both teams prepare for this highly anticipated clash, the predicted lineups suggest a tactical battle that could define their seasons early on. For AS Roma, the expected lineup includes Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Molina, Kone, Cristante, Wesley; Dybala, Mora; Malen. Meanwhile, Atalanta is expected to field Carnesecchi; Bellanova, Kossounou, Scalvini, Bernasconi; Ederson, Gaetano, Samardzic; De Ketelaere, Scamacca, Rowe.
Fans can catch the action live in the UK on DAZN, as these two Serie A contenders clash in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
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