Jose Mourinho’s Roma will be looking to keep up the pressure in the race for a top four finish with a win over a solid Empoli side.

The match between the Giallorossi and the Azzurri kicks off at 17.00 UK time at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Roma have started 2023 well, picking up wins over Bologna, Fiorentina and Spezia, but they’ll be frustrated that Napoli managed to steal all three points in their tense clash last week.

The Nicolo Zaniolo situation is still proving problematic for the Giallorossi and the 23-year-old will not take part in today’s game with Empoli, producing a medical certificate that allows him to take a month’s break due to stress.

Also absent for Mourinho’s side are Leonardo Spinazzola and Ebrima Darboe, both of whom are out injured. Georginio Wijnaldum is still returning from a fractured tibia and will likely be limited to a cameo appearance in the second half.

Empoli have still not lost yet in 2023, upsetting Inter 1-0 and picking up points against Torino, Lazio and Udinese. The Tuscan side sit comfortably in the midtable with 26 points, 13 ahead of relegation candidates Hellas Verona.

The Azzurri cannot count on the injured Ardian Ismajli, Mattia Destro and Alberto Grassi.

Probable line-ups for Roma vs Empoli

Roma (3-4-2-1): Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Zalewski, Matic, Cristante, El Shaarawy; Pellegrini, Dybala; Abraham.

Empoli (4-3-1-2): Vicario; Ebuehi, De Winter, Luperto, Parisi; Akpa Akpro, Marin, Bandinelli; Baldanzi, Piccoli, Satriano.

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