A sell-out crowd is expected at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday for Roma vs Slavia Prague in a Europa League spectacle from Rome. The hosts are looking to make it three wins from three in Europe so far this term, whilst the visitors have also won both of their first two games in Group G to start the campaign.
Victories over Sheriff Tiraspol and Servette for both teams means that they have both taken maximum points from their opening matches. However, back-to-back clashes between Roma and Slavia Prague will prove to be decisive in determining the outcome of Group G.
The Giallorossi are aiming to reach their third successive European final under Jose Mourinho. Meanwhile, the away side are hoping to bounce back from an underwhelming group-stage exit from the Europa Conference League last term. Let’s get into our Roma vs Slavia Prague preview.
Roma Preview
Following a dismal opening to the season that saw the Giallorossi win just one of their first six league matches, Roma have overseen an upturn in form. Mourinho‘s side have won their last four competitive matches, keeping three clean sheets in the process. Despite beating Monza 1-0 at the weekend, the Portuguese boss failed to control his temper and was involved in yet more controversy down on the touchline. It was a somewhat fortunate victory too and was sealed late on by a Stephan El Shaarawy strike.
A 4-1 defeat away to Genoa to conclude September epitomized Roma’s dreadful start to the campaign. Nevertheless, it appears to have kickstarted their season. Having picked up three successive Serie A triumphs against Frosinone, Cagliari and Monza, the capital club are starting to find some momentum. Roma now sit seventh in Serie A and are just three points behind the top-four. Their recent improvement has certainly come at the right time too since they have a host of tough fixtures coming up, culminating with a derby match against Lazio in November.
It has been a very solid start to their European campaign as well. Roma have won both of their first two group matches in the Europa League. That started with a 2-1 victory away to Sheriff in Round 1 before they recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory at home to Servette last time out. Playing at the Olimpico again in Round 3, Roma will be expected to maintain their 100% record at the halfway stage.
One To Watch: Andrea Belotti
The 29-year-old striker has managed to score three goals over his past three appearances, including a brace against Servette in Roma’s last Europa League match. He should partner Romelu Lukaku up top.
Slavia Prague Preview
For all of Roma’s praise for their start in the Europa League, opponents Slavia Prague have performed even better and sit top of Group G. The Czech side have also won both of their opening two group games but have scored eight in the process, without conceding a goal too. They began with a 2-0 triumph away to Servette before dismantling Sheriff 6-0 in Prague last time out.
Under Mourinho, the Giallorossi have impressed in Europe. They won the Conference League in his first season in charge before reaching the final of the Europa League last term. Although Slavia Prague have not come close to that record, they have still performed well in Europe of late too. They reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League and Conference League during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons respectively. The Red and Whites will certainly be no pushovers on Thursday and they have lost just one game across all competitions this term.
Jindrich Trpisovsky was unable to guide his Slavia Prague side to their fifth successive league title last term and had to settle for second-place. Cross-city rivals Sparta Prague pipped them to the crown and they are currently getting the better of them again this term, sitting two points clear at the top. Nevertheless, Slavia Prague remain unbeaten domestically thus far and head into this one on the back of a 2-0 home win over Slovacko at the weekend.
One To Watch: Mojmir Chytil
The Czech forward scored a brace in Slavia’s 6-0 win over Sheriff so he will look to be the threat in the forward line. He has also provided five goal contributions in the Czech First League so far this term.
Head-to-Head
Roma and Slavia Prague last met in 1996 during the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. It was the Czech side who recorded a first-leg win with a 2-0 home triumph. The Giallorossi would take the tie to extra time after going two goals up in the return leg at the Olimpico. However, it was Slavia Prague who would progress on away goals thanks to a late goal in the second half of extra time.
Roma vs Slavia Prague Potential Lineups & Team News
Roma (3-5-2): Mile Svilar; Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Diego Llorente; Rick Karsdorp, Edoardo Bove, Bryan Cristante, Leandro Paredes, Stephan El Shaarawy; Andrea Belotti, Romelu Lukaku
Mourinho has stated that Evan Ndicka will start in this one since there are no other alternatives. Chris Smalling is still not ready to feature from the off either as he continues to build up his fitness. Lukaku is also expected to play, especially since Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are unable to make an appearance.
Sardar Azmoun and Rasmus Kristensen remain unavailable since they haven’t been registered for the Europa League squad. Tammy Abraham and Marash Kumbulla are continuing in their recovery from long-term injury. Renato Sanches and Leonardo Spinazzola are also expected to miss out as Roma’s injury woes worsen.
Slavia Prague (3-5-2): Ales Mandous; Lukas Masopust, Tomas Holes, Igoh Ogbu; David Doudera, Jakub Hromada, Oscar Dorley, Christos Zafeiris, Andres Dumitrescu; Mojmir Chytil, Ivan Schranz
Conrad Wallem is in doubt for the away side here as he was absent for the weekend’s fixture due to injury. Igoh Ogbu also failed to make the squad so he is a doubt as well but he should be good to go after participating in training this week. Midfielder Jakub Hromada made his return against Slovacko so he could be in line to start.
Christos Zafeiris missed out at the weekend but he will be hoping to resume his role in the centre of midfield next to Hromada and Oscar Dorley. Mojmir Chytil and Ivan Schranz could be the partnership up top but Vaclav Jurecka and Muhamed Tijani are also options.
Roma vs Slavia Prague Prediction
Both Roma and Slavia Prague are expected to progress from Group G and they appear to be the far stronger sides in the group. Home advantage should mean that Roma secure the victory, especially since they have improved over the last few games.
Roma 2-0 Slavia Prague