Projected Formations: Udinese v Roma

Roma’s injury crisis continues, as the team returns to action after nearly a two week long international break. The Giallorossi kick off match day 13 in Udine without many key players at EdF’s disposal. Regular starters, Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas, along with long-term injury absentees, Diego Perotti and Javier Pastore, have all been ruled out for the trip to the Dacia Arena.

The Roma coach gave some updates on the injured players during his Friday press conference, saying, “Kostas tried to train yesterday and today, but his ankle still isn’t 100 percent. On the other hand, we don’t want to rush Perotti and De Rossi, like we have in the past with them and even Pastore. We hope to have Diego back after Real Madrid and Daniele for the Cagliari game. Kolarov, however, is fine and will play, while Santon has overcome a fever.”

EdF and company will hope to have Manolas back for Tuesday’s Champions League fixture with Real Madrid, as well as, Inter’s visit to the Olimpico next weekend. However, the news that De Rossi will be out until after those matches is a bit concerning. With that in mind, EdF will have to make due with the players at his disposal on Saturday against Udinese.

Roma will continue to employ the 4-2-3-1 formation with which it has enjoyed its best results this season. Robin Olsen, who continued his fine form on international duty with Sweden, will take his usual place defending the Roma goal. With Manolas out, Juan Jesus will start at the center of defense alongside Federico Fazio. Meanwhile, Aleksander Kolarov, who missed Serbia’s match earlier this week, has been ruled fit and will start at left back. Rounding out the defense at right back will be Alessandro Florenzi, who is favored to start over Davide Santon.

In midfield, Frenchman Steven N’Zonzi will take up his usual place in front of the defense, while Bryan Cristante will sit alongside him in place of De Rossi. Meanhile, EdF confirmed that Patrik Schick will start as the lone striker ahead of Edin Dzeko. In support of Schick will be the attacking trio of Stephan El Shaarawy at left wing, Justin Kluivert on the right, and Lorenzo Pellegrini at trequartista.

Corriere dello Sport