After failing to score in their opening match, AS Roma will look for their first win of the season on Sunday when they host Empoli at Stadio Olimpico.
The team was unable to find the net in their 0-0 draw with Cagliari, while Empoli also ended their match goalless, drawing 0-0 with Monza. Daniele De Rossi, who took over from Jose Mourinho last season, has been rewarded with a three-year contract and new signings after proving himself as the right choice for the Roma job.
Among the new arrivals, Artem Dovbyk, Matias Soule, and Enzo Le Fee have impressed, but keeping Paulo Dybala may be the most significant part of De Rossi’s rebuilding efforts. Dybala had initially agreed to move to Saudi Arabia but has decided to stay in Italy for the time being. Although he was only a substitute in the opening game against Cagliari, his presence could be crucial for AS Roma.
AS Roma vs. Empoli: Team Form & Head-to-Head Stats
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Despite some promising signs of De Rossi’s tactics taking shape, AS Roma have won only one of their last eight matches across all competitions. However, they have a strong record against Empoli, winning eight of their last nine encounters, including a 7-0 rout at Stadio Olimpico last season. The most recent match between the two sides ended with Empoli securing a crucial 2-1 victory on the final day of the 2023-24 season, which helped them avoid relegation.
Empoli’s coach Davide Nicola, who was responsible for that crucial win, has since departed, and new manager Roberto D’Aversa will look to build on that success and secure a third consecutive season in Serie A for the club. D’Aversa’s tenure started with a 4-1 victory over Catanzaro in the Coppa Italia, followed by a goalless draw with Monza in their Serie A opener.
The away team has historically struggled at Stadio Olimpico, failing to win in 16 previous visits, with two draws and 14 defeats. Paulo Dybala could be back in Roma’s starting lineup, though he faces competition from Matias Soule and Stephan El Shaarawy for a spot alongside Artem Dovbyk in attack. Tommaso Baldanzi, who began his Serie A career with Empoli, has yet to score in 14 appearances for AS Roma.
Team News
AS Roma will likely have a full squad to choose from with Leandro Paredes returning from suspension. In contrast, Empoli’s Roberto D’Aversa will be missing Tyronne Ebuehi and Samuele Persian due to injury, and Szymon Zurkowski will need a late fitness test. Alberto Grassi is suspended, but Ola Solbakken, recently loaned from Roma, will be available to compete for a spot in attack alongside Lorenzo Colombo.
AS Roma vs. Empoli: Starting XI
AS Roma’s possible starting lineup: Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Soule, Dovbyk, Dybala
Empoli possible starting lineup: Vasquez; Walukiewicz, Ismajli, Viti; Gyasi, Henderson, Haas, Pezzella; Fazzini, Esposito; Colombo
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