Roma are again forced into changes for this evening’s Serie A match against Bologna as a win would put them clear in fifth place.
This could be a very positive round indeed for the Giallorossi as, while Milan won to remain in fourth, both Atalanta and Lazio lost.
It means a victory could propel them three points clear of both in fifth place, remaining within touching distance of the Rossoneri.
Roma are again forced into changes for this evening’s Serie A match against Bologna as a win would put them clear in fifth place.
This could be a very positive round indeed for the Giallorossi as, while Milan won to remain in fourth, both Atalanta and Lazio lost.
It means a victory could propel them three points clear of both in fifth place, remaining within touching distance of the Rossoneri.
Coach Eusebio Di Francesco knows he cannot take this game lightly because Bologna beat Roma 2-0 at the Stadio Dall’Ara in September and have been boosted by the arrival of new boss Sinisa Mihajlovic, who beat Inter on his debut.
Goalkeeper Robin Olsen returns from injury after missing the Lupi’s last two fixtures, including the 2-1 Champions League win over Porto.
Stephan El Shaarawy and Diego Perotti are in the squad, but Justin Kluivert is preferred to start with Edin Dzeko and Nicolo Zaniolo in a 4-3-3 formation.
Daniele De Rossi is rested in favour of Steven Nzonzi, with Patrik Schick, Cengiz Under and Rick Karsdorp all sidelined.
Bologna are also playing 4-3-3 under Mihajlovic but make the trip without injured quartet Mattia Destro, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Riccardo Orsolini and Federico Mattiello.
To make matters worse, veteran Rodrigo Palacio is suspended, so Nicola Sansone and Simone Edera support Federico Santander.
Roma: Olsen; Florenzi, Manolas, Fazio, Kolarov; Cristante, Nzonzi, Pellegrini; Zaniolo, Dzeko, Kluivert
Bologna: Skorupski; Mbaye, Danilo, Helander, Dijks; Poli, Pulgar, Soriano; Sansone, Santander, Edera
Referee: Di Bello