There’s still everything to play for in an evenly-poised Europa League knockout round playoff tie between Roma and Feyenoord. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at De Kuip, Giallorossi host the reigning Eredivisie champions at the Stadio Olimpico for a decisive contest.
Igor Paixao scored a delightful header on the stroke of halftime to give Feyenoord the lead in the first leg. However, Roma replied midway through the second half through Romelu Lukaku to blow this tie wide open, increasing the likelihood of progression into the next knockout stage.
Olimpico has been Roma’s safe shelter this season. Before a 4-2 defeat to runaway Serie A leaders Inter last time out, Daniele De Rossi’s side had gone unbeaten in 14 consecutive home outings (W12, D2). Such a formidable home record can inspire further confidence around the Giallorossi camp following a 3-0 demolition of Frosinone at the weekend.
Like their hosts, Feyenoord enjoyed a triumphant weekend. But they left it late to beat Dutch minnows RKC 1-0 at home despite going a man up in the first half. Though it wasn’t a convincing performance from the Rotterdam outfit, manager Arne Slot takes this trip in a buoyant mood after overseeing 11 straight matches without defeat (W8, D3).
Driven by revenge after their last two continental campaigns ended at the hands of Roma, Feyenoord will be out to settle the score. But given Roma’s stupendous home form, that could prove a tall order.
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Roma
Inter remain the only side to taste victory against Roma since De Rossi replaced Jose Mourinho at the helm (W4, D1). However, the ex-midfielder’s eye-catching managerial record could be deceptive, considering each of his four wins in charge came against Serie A relegation fighters.
There’s no better way to prove his managerial credentials than inspiring Roma to a third consecutive aggregate victory against Feyenoord. He can draw inspiration from Giallorossi’s two-game unbeaten home run against the Dutch heavyweights (W1, D1), not to mention his side’s free-scoring form in the Eternal City.
Roma have bagged 2+ goals in six of their last seven home matches, except for a 1-1 draw against Atalanta in early January.
Feyenoord
Speaking of free-flowing frontlines, Feyenoord’s high-performing attack has found the back of the net in all but one of their last 29 away matches across all competitions. For fans of omens, their only scoring blank during that stretch came at the Olimpico of all venues, as they lost 1-0 to Lazio in November.
However, Slot’s men have fared terribly on their continental travels. They’ve failed to win any of their last nine away games in European competitions (D3, L6), stretching back nearly two years. In search of encouraging signs, Feyenoord’s all-time record against Italian opposition is almost perfectly balanced (W8, D5, L9).
A stubborn start would significantly improve the Dutch side’s chances of upsetting the odds. On that basis, going eight consecutive games without conceding before halftime bodes well for Feyenoord’s bid to crash Roma out of Europe’s second-tier competition.
Team News
Long-term absentee Tammy Abraham is the only injured player in the home squad. But Roma will be without Edoardo Bove, who accumulated yellow cards in the first leg. After being rested against Frosinone, Paulo Dybala will return to the starting XI to partner Lukaku.
On the other hand, Feyenoord will take this trip without first-choice goalkeeper Justin Bijlow and captain Gernot Trauner. On a positive note, Lutsharel Geertruida is back to the fold after missing out on the first leg due to a minor fitness problem.
Roma vs Feyenoord Potential Lineups
Roma (4-3-3): Mile Svilar; Rick Karsdorp, Diego Llorente, Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Spinazzola; Bryan Cristante, Leandro Paredes, Lorenzo Pellegrini; Paulo Dybala, Romelu Lukaku, Nicola Zalewski.
Feyenoord (4-3-3): Timon Wellenreuther; Lutsharel Geertruida, Thomas Beelen, David Hancko, Quilindschy Hartman; Calvin Stengs, Ramiz Zerrouki, Mats Wieffer; Yankuba Minteh, Santiago Gimenez, Igor Paixao.
Roma vs Feyenoord Prediction
Roma’s dominant home form looks too good to be overlooked. With all due respect to Feyenoord’s impressive away run, it pales in comparison to Giallrossi’s unparalleled dominance at the Olimpico. Yet, this won’t be a walk in the park for De Rossi’s charges, though we expect them to build on their rock-solid record against Dutch opponents (W6, D5, L3).
Prediction: Roma Win
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