Probable Formations: Sassuolo vs Roma

With Roma suffering through yet another injury crisis, reinforcements have arrived in the Italian capital. With Nicoló Zaniolo, Amadou Diawara, Davide Zappacosta, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan still out injured, Roger Ibanez, Carles Perez, and Gonzalo Villar have all made Roma’s traveling squad to Sassuolo. And Fonseca made it clear that any of them could play if needed.

“The three new arrivals will be called up, they haven’t trained much with the team but we may need one of them to play.”

Well it remains to be seen if any of the three newcomers will be utilized on Saturday, it is telling that they are already in consideration. While none of them are expected to start, perhaps someone like Perez will be looked to as a spark off the bench.

In terms of the starting XI, it will likely remain unchanged from the side that took the derby to Lazio on Sunday. Pau Lopez will again start between the sticks. Anchoring the back line will be the combo Gianluca Mancini and Chris Smalling at center back. Meanwhile, with the departure of Alessandro Florenzi, Davide Santon will again start at right back. A position Fonseca addressed during his presser.

“ I feel safe with the fullbacks we have. Santon is doing well and in a good moment, Peres is improving and is strong in attack. Çetin isn’t a fullback but he can play there if needed, as he’s done already. Spinazzola doesn’t like playing on the right but he’s another option.”

The only potential change is Aleksandar Kolarov for Leonardo Spinazzola at left back. After back-to-back strong showings, it seems unlikely that the Italian doesn’t get the nod again. However, Gazzetta dello Sport does slightly favor Kolarov at 55/45%.

The midfield double pivot again will consist of Bryan Cristante and Jordan Veretout with Diawara out for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the attack will again be composed of Justin Kluivert, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Cengiz Ünder in support of Edin Dzeko.

Gazzetta dello Sport