Roma are again forced to reshuffle the pack due to bans and injuries, but Spezia freeze out M’Bala Nzola for disciplinary reasons.
The Giallorossi are feeling the pressure after back-to-back Serie A defeats against Inter and Bologna, in which they failed to score a single goal. There was a boost on Thursday, largely thanks to Zorya doing them a favour by holding Bodo/Glimt, allowing Jose Mourinho’s men direct access to the Conference League Round of 16.
Tammy Abraham and Rick Karsdorp return from suspension, but are replaced by Nicolò Zaniolo and Gianluca Mancini on the naughty step. Borja Mayoral is pushing Eldor Shomurodov for a starting spot after his goal against CSKA Sofia.
Spezia ended a run of three consecutive defeats by stalling Sassuolo 2-2, although Nzola is frozen out after turning up late to a video session. Coach Thiago Motta knows Jose Mourinho well from their time together at Inter.
Form Guide: Roma (L L W W L) Spezia (D L L L W)
Stat fact: Jose Mourinho could suffer three consecutive league defeats for the third time in his career after February 2021 at Tottenham and November 2015 at Chelsea.
Probable line-ups
Roma (3-5-2): Rui Patricio; Kumbulla, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Mkhitaryan, Cristante, Veretout, Vina; Mayoral, Abraham
Suspended: Mancini, Zaniolo
Injured: Spinazzola, Pellegrini, El Shaarawy
On a yellow card: Cristante
Spezia (3-5-2): Provedel; Amian, Erlic, Nikolaou; Gyasi, Kovalenko, Sala, Maggiore, Reca; Verde, Manaj
Suspended: None
Injured: Agudelo, Leo Sena, Nzola
On a yellow card: None
Man Nzola needs to put in effort and bloody get there on time. Motta tries to motivate him I see, hopefully the lad hears the message and gets it together. Such room for improovement but you must be commited 110% .