Probable Formations: Roma vs Atalanta

With Roma’s league route to Champions League qualification for all intents and purposes done and dusted, all eyes are squarely focused on the Europa League. However, that doesn’t mean that a match against third-place Atalanta can’t serve as useful preparation for the trip to Old Trafford in a week's time. Plus, Paulo Fonseca desperately needs a win against a top Serie A side.

Therefore, expect the Portuguese tactician to play his best available eleven against the visitors from Bergamo on Thursday. We know the Giallorossi are in a busy stretch, but with many starters already rested against Torino and many likely to be rested again against Cagliari this will be the match for Roma’s preferred eleven.

With that in mind, Pau Lopez will return to Roma’s net after Antonio Mirante was peppered with shots by the Granata on Sunday. In front of him will be the ex-Atalanta trio of Gianluca Mancini, Bryan Cristante, and Roger Ibañez.

Moving into the midfield, Amadou Diawara is suspended after his red card in Turin. Therefore, it’ll be a combo of Gonzalo Villar and Jordan Veretout in the center of the park. On the wings, Rick Karsdorp will start on the right and Riccardo Calafiori on the left. This match should serve as important experience for the Italian youngster with Leonardo Spinazzola looking iffy for the trip to England.

Moving into the attack, Edin Dzeko is expected to lead the line. Supporting him will be the duo of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Lorenzo Pellegrini.

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