Roma director Tiago Pinto confirms Nicolò Zaniolo has put them in a ‘truly difficult situation’ by rejecting Bournemouth, but he has ‘hope we can find a solution’ by the transfer deadline.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
With other results in the League throwing up surprises this weekend, the Partenopei have the opportunity to go 13 points clear at the top of the table, while the Giallorossi can catch Inter in second place.
The build-up to this game inevitably was overshadowed by the Zaniolo controversy, as he is refusing to play for Roma again and wants an exit, but turned down the only firm offer that came in from Premier League strugglers Bournemouth.
“I have no problem answering that question, now everyone knows what happened. Nicolò asked the club to leave, along with his agent we tried in every way to find a solution, this solution arrived and might not Nicolò might not be very happy with the solution,” Tiago Pinto told DAZN.
“We’re all in a difficult situation now, because he put in the transfer request and with all the Financial Fair Play parameters we have around us, we cannot afford to just accept Zaniolo saying no and us signing a replacement.
“There are 48 hours to go in the transfer window, we’ll see what happens, but it is truly a difficult situation for the club and everyone.”
The Italy international wants to hold out for Milan, but they are only offering a loan with option to buy tied to Champions League qualification, and for circa €10-15m less than Bournemouth are ready to pay.
If Zaniolo and Rick Karsdorp cannot find another club in January, will they be welcomed back into the squad or frozen out for six months?
“We have another 48 hours, I as tradition speak to the media after the transfer deadline and that will be the moment to answer your questions. As I always say, the interests of Roma come ahead of the individual, I hope everyone thinks the same. I still have hope we can find a solution.”
Jose Mourinho also said in yesterday’s press conference that reporters should ask the club what his future at Roma depends on.
“He said we would talk about it internally. I know people try to say we do not have a 100 per cent solid rapport, but we do and are discussing these things between ourselves,” smiled Tiago Pinto.