Gianluca Mancini explains how Roma have changed tactically since Daniele De Rossi replaced Jose Mourinho. ‘You have to move more as a unit.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
There are debuts in the starting XI for January signings Angelino in the Giallorossi jersey and ex-Fiorentina defender Yerry Mina for the visitors.
Once again, De Rossi has set Roma out with a four-man defence, scrapping the 3-5-2 that was used for over two years by Mourinho.
“With three you can be more aggressive and take things individually, whereas with four at the back you have to move more as a unit and approach things differently,” Mancini told Sky Sport Italia.
De Rossi won the first two games in charge since replacing sacked Mourinho and is looking for the hat-trick this evening against Cagliari.
“Many of us already knew the coach, he already showed what he can do as a teammate, an opponent and as a technical collaborator for Italy.
“He knows the environment around the Trigoria centre, he is more Roman than anyone. The first thing he did was try to reassure us, bring new ideas and we players are trying to follow his instructions.”
It is a 4-3-3 formation with Paulo Dybala and Stephan El Shaarawy free to roam somewhat around centre-forward Romelu Lukaku, so can be more of a 4-3-2-1.
Lorenzo Pellegrini is also starting today, with Leandro Paredes in for Edoardo Bove.
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