AS Roma will look to build on their midweek Coppa Italia triumph as they host Parma this Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico, with kick-off set for 12:30 CET. The match is particularly significant for both teams as they hover near the relegation zone in Serie A.
Following the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Como, Roma aims to grab all three points against Parma, who also suffered a loss last week, falling 3-2 to Hellas Verona. Currently, Roma sits precariously above the relegation zone, merely two points clear, intensifying the need for victory.
Last weekend’s defeat marked Roma’s eighth loss of the season and extended their Serie A winless streak away from home, with their last league victory dating back to April. Fortunately, their midweek showing provided some respite, as they displayed their attacking prowess by beating Sampdoria 4-1 to advance to the Coppa Italia quarterfinals.
Head coach Claudio Ranieri welcomed back several key players for the encounter against Parma, including goalkeeper Mile Svilar and midfielder Manu Kone. Veteran defender Mats Hummels, who missed the prior match due to illness, is also set to return. Ranieri emphasized the importance of consistency following the win, stating, "We’ll face Parma with the same determination we’ve shown ever since I arrived. I don’t want to see another display like the second half against Como because quite honestly it was shocking." He anticipates tough opposition from Parma, acknowledging the visitors’s capacity to counter quickly and effectively.
On the other side, Parma, under coach Fabio Pecchia, also finds itself desperate for points after suffering consecutive defeats. The squad is battling serious injury woes, with key players such as Alessandro Circati, Mateusz Kowalski, and Gabriel Charpentier ruled out. Pecchia expressed frustration over these injuries, admitting, "It’s something outside of our control, but we’ve seen other Serie A teams face similar emergencies. That said, we need to face this head-on and take collective responsibility.”
Parma’s recent form has not favored them well, with just 15 points from 16 Serie A matches. They remain within grasp of survival yet must sharpen their defensive play and scoring opportunities. The team's loss to Verona, characterized by defensive frailties, highlighted the need for improvement as they enter this challenging fixture against Roma.
Historically, Roma has dominated this matchup, showcasing strength at home against Parma with 23 wins from the last 31 encounters. They are currently on a 12-match unbeaten run at home against Parma, featuring 10 victories. Parma, conversely, struggles with away form, having only managed two wins out of seven matches on the road this season.
Head-to-head statistics are firmly on Roma’s side, which provides additional motivation for the Giallorossi. Their previous meeting ended with Parma triumphing, but the hosts will be eager to rectify past disappointments. The predicted lineups suggest Roma will adopt an aggressive 3-4-2-1 formation, with Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk, and Stephan El Shaarawy spearheading their attack. The return of Hummels and Mancini is expected to solidify their defense.
This tactical setup aligns with Ranieri’s desire to establish dominance from the outset. He counts on players, particularly Dybala, who has shown moments of brilliance, and the ever-reliable El Shaarawy who has implied consistent contributions this season.
Parma, utilizing a probable 4-2-3-1 formation, will rely on players like Ange-Yoan Bonny to lead their front line. The visiting team will need to adapt quickly, as they face not just the attacking threat of Roma but also the need to bolster their defense. Pecchia expressed confidence, highlighting the spirit he expects from his players, saying, “I want to see a battling Parma, eager to compete against top sides.”
Given both teams’ current predicaments, this match is poised to be decisive. A victory could invigorate either side’s campaign, potentially pushing them away from relegation concerns and laying down the groundwork for more consistent performances moving forward.
With stakes high and historical dynamics favoring the hosts, fans can expect an intense encounter filled with necessary urgency and passion as Roma looks to maintain its home advantage against the struggling Parma team.
