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Probable Formations: Napoli v. Roma

Expect heavy turnover with some key players returning to the starting XI.

AS Roma v SPAL - Serie A Photo by Silvia Lore/NurPhoto via Getty Images

If there has been one common theme besides the Giallorossi’s poor play since the restart, it has to be the wholesale changes that Paulo Fonseca has made each match. After making six changes for the Milan match and another eight for the Udinese match, Fonseca is again expected to change more than half of the starting XI for the trip to Naples.

Fonseca’s choices will be boosted by the returns of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Jordan Veretout from suspension, as well as Gianluca Mancini from illness. Roma’s CT remains without Nicolo Zaniolo and Pau Lopez for this one as they continue to inch closer to fitness. Meanwhile, Diego Perotti is suspended after his straight red card against the Zebrette.

With Lopez still not quite ready to return from his wrist fracture, Antonio Mirante will again defend the Roma goal. Meanwhile, two changes are expected along the Roma back-line. Davide Zappacosta will replace Bruno Peres at right back and Mancini will step back into the central defense. Chris Smalling and Aleksandar Kolarov are expected to retain their starting positions.

With Veretout returning from suspension, expect to see the Frenchman back in the double pivot. Bryan Cristante or Amadou Diawara will flank him with the Italian being the slight favorite.

Meanwhile, expect wholesale changes in the attack. None of the starting quartet of Kalinic, Ünder, Perez, and Perotti from Thursday is expected to retain a starting place. Mkhitaryan, Pellegrini, and Kluivert are expected to form the attacking midfield trio behind Dzeko.

Probable Formations (EuroSport)

ROMA (4-2-3-1): Mirante; Zappacosta, Mancini, Smalling, Kolarov; Cristante, Veretout; Kluivert, Lo. Pellegrini, Mkhitaryan; Dzeko. Manager. Fonseca

NAPOLI (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Manolas, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Fabian Ruiz, Demme, Zielinski; Callejon, Mertens, Insigne. Manager. Gattuso