The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico is electric as AS Roma prepares to take on Hellas Verona in a crucial Serie A clash on Saturday, April 18, 2025. This matchup marks the 33rd round of Italy's top football league, with both teams having significant stakes in the outcome of the game. Roma, under the guidance of coach Claudio Ranieri, is on a mission to secure a spot in next season's Champions League, while Verona, led by coach Javier Zanetti, is fighting to avoid relegation.
Kick-off is set for 20:45 local time, and the stakes couldn't be higher for both sides. Currently, Roma finds itself five points adrift of Juventus, who occupy the coveted fourth place in the Serie A standings. A victory today is essential for the Giallorossi to keep their Champions League hopes alive, especially with only a handful of matches left in the season.
On the other hand, Hellas Verona enters the match with a comfortable eight-point cushion above the relegation zone, but they are not yet safe. A win against Roma would help solidify their position and ease any lingering relegation fears. The Scaligeri are eager to pick up points and ensure their continued presence in Serie A for another season.
As for the lineups, Roma is expected to field a 3-4-2-1 formation. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar will be shielded by a defensive trio of Zeki Celik, Gianluca Mancini, and Evan Ndicka. In midfield, Alexis Saelemaekers, Koffi Koné, Leandro Paredes, and Angelino will look to control the game and provide service to the attacking players. The forward line will feature a blend of youth and experience, with Matías Soulé and Lorenzo Pellegrini supporting Eldor Shomurodov up front.
For Hellas Verona, a 3-4-1-2 setup is anticipated. Goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipò will be backed by defenders Fabio Coppola, Pawel Dawidowicz, and Marco Valentini. The midfield will consist of a dynamic quartet: Azzeddine Tchatchoua, Mame Niasse, Ondrej Duda, and Luka Bradaric, while the attack will be spearheaded by the duo of Ilias Mosquera and Bayo Sarr, with a creative force behind them in the form of Enzo Bernede.
However, both teams will have to contend with notable absences. Roma will be without star player Paulo Dybala due to injury, a significant blow for the home side as they look to capitalize on their attacking opportunities. Meanwhile, Verona will miss the services of Harroui and Tengstedt, who are also sidelined due to injuries.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to assert their respective agendas. Roma's need for points to chase down Juventus adds an extra layer of pressure, while Verona's desire to solidify their safety in the league cannot be understated. Fans can catch all the action live on SkySport and Dazn, with streaming options available on SkyGo and NOW.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the tension is palpable. Will Roma rise to the occasion and secure a vital three points, or can Verona upset the odds and claim a crucial victory in their fight for survival? The answer will unfold in what promises to be a thrilling match at the Olimpico.
