Jose Mourinho explains why he has chosen the same Roma XI for the fourth game running to face Milan. ‘Some teams don’t have problems rotating the squad. We are different.’
It kicks off at 19.45 GMT, you can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
Mourinho has used the identical line-up for each of his last four Serie A matches, ever since complaining during the Europa Conference League 6-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt that he could only count on 13 players.
“There are some teams that don’t have problems rotating the squad and making changes,” Mourinho told DAZN at the Stadio Olimpico.
“We are different. We are a team with a different profile.”
The coach was also asked if today’s showdown with Milan could be decisive for Roma’s campaign, having struggled to get results against the big clubs so far.
“I don’t know. I think every game is decisive and that every point is important.”
The sheer strain of using the same players in every game, especially after a midweek round in Serie A, is becoming evident.
Lorenzo Pellegrini has a heavy strapping to his left knee and was spotted wincing during the warm-up, getting treatment with spray to ease the pain.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan was expected to rest for Stephan El Shaarawy, but the Armenian starts again.
Ecco la Roma!🙌#RomaMilan pic.twitter.com/dobaadVYTK
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) October 31, 2021