The Zdenek Zeman era is over and new boss Aurelio Andreazzoli already makes sweeping changes in his first starting XI against Sampdoria, adopting a 3-5-2.
The Zdenek Zeman era is over and new boss Aurelio Andreazzoli already makes sweeping changes in his first starting XI against Sampdoria, adopting a 3-5-2.
Roma axed Zeman last Saturday after failing to win a Serie A game in 2013, promoting Andreazzoli from the staff after his experience working under Luciano Spalletti, Claudio Ranieri, Vincenzo Montella and Luis Enrique.
Andreazzoli brings Daniele De Rossi and Maarten Stekelenburg back to the line-up, two players who were repeatedly dropped by Zeman.
Federico Balzaretti and Mattia Destro are unavailable with Panagiotis Tachtsidis suspended.
Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is able to start despite a knock in training, partnering Francesco Totti in a new 3-5-2 system that puts Erik Lamela on the wing.
Sampdoria have been revived under new boss Delio Rossi, who has a strong record against Roma during his Lazio years.
Pedro Obiang returns from suspension, but Eder is in Brazil due to family issues and Angelo Palombo is injured.
Once again, they look to talented 19-year-old hitman Mauro Icardi.
Sampdoria: Romero; De Silvestri, Gastaldello, Rossini, Costa; Poli, Obiang, Krsticic, Estigarribia; Soriano, Icardi
Sampdoria bench: Da Costa, Berni, Castellini, Mustafi, Rodriguez, Poulsen, Maresca, Renan, Munari, Berardi, Sansone, Maxi Lopez
Roma: Stekelenburg; Marquinhos, Burdisso, Castan; Lamela, De Rossi, Pjanic, Bradley, Marquinho; Osvaldo, Totti
Roma bench: Goicoechea, Lobont, Piris, Romagnoli, Dodò, Torosidis, Taddei, Florenzi, Perrotta, Lucca, Lopez