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Likely formations: Roma vs Athletic Bilbao


Likely formations: Roma vs Athletic Bilbao

“We still have to decide and we have another training session tomorrow morning. We’ll definitely make some changes, but we haven’t decided who yet.”

That was Ivan Juric's answer to his press officer's opening question before the game when asked about squad rotation. Still, we should expect some changes from Juric's debut win against Udinese on Sunday. One player who will not take part is Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is out with a knee problem.

“He won’t be there tomorrow. He was doubtful for the previous game but wanted to make it at all costs. However, he felt slight pain in his knee. He trained separately and I hope he's fine in the next game. He looks good. The guys worked with a smile and there is a good atmosphere. I'm happy with him and everyone else. The last game gave us a lot of confidence.”

It will likely be up to Tomasso Baldanzi or Matías Soulé to replace Lorenzo Pellegrini in attacking midfield after Juric ruled out Bryan Cristante resuming his role at Atalanta.

“I see him more as a central midfielder. He is a decent player who dictates the game and understands what is happening on the pitch. I don't really see him further ahead. There are other midfielders who may be better suited to the role you are suggesting.”

At the moment it looks as if Baldanzi is close to being able to support Artem Dovbyk for the first time alongside Paulo Dybala. But Juric was also non-committal towards Dybala.

“We have to be very careful about that. We have a fantastic team of fitness trainers here. He recovered well from Sunday's game but we need to evaluate things. When he is fit and in shape, he is a special player. We will try to make sure he can play the whole season and doesn't get injured. We will choose game by game.”

Should Juric Dybala start, Soulé would also start in attacking midfield – a position for which Juric sees him best suited.

“I see him as a trequartista. He can go wide, but I don't really see him covering the entire flank. I think it was a big step forward for him. He is very professional and hardworking. He will get his chances.”

Cristante is expected to be in the starting line-up again to support the attacking trio. And it's likely that either Manu Koné or Niccoló Pisilli will partner him in central midfield. Sky Sport is currently giving the Italian a tip.

Zeki Çelik and Angeliño are likely to be among these two. Juric praised Angeliño highly, comparing him to Federico Dimarco, whom Juric coached at Hellas Verona.

“He can play in both positions. I really liked the way he played the other day. He defended brilliantly. He is very aggressive but is excellent with the ball at his feet. He is very good in a back three, but can also play as a full-back. He’s happy to do both.”

The eleven is rounded off by a back three consisting of Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso and Evan Ndicka, as Mats Hummels is not yet ready for his Roma debut. This was confirmed by Juric.

“Not for long, I hope. He's not at his best yet, but he seems to be a very positive player. Including the way he acted during the game. He is escorted into the locker room with a certain aura. We’ve been doing some training and I’m sure we’ll see him out there soon.”

ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Pisilli, Cristante, Angeliño; Dybala, Baldanzi; Dovbyk.

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