Roma vs Empoli

Roma, who were unable to score a goal in the previous week, will aim at a first victory in a new campaign as they host Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Although the Giallorossi failed to penetrate the Cagliari defence, their visitors also were restricted to playing out a goal-less draw with Monza.

Having fired Jose Mourinho during the previous season, Daniele De Rossi successfully proved that he deserved to continue leading the team of his heart in Roma by getting a three-year contract and several fresh faces.

Although Artem Dovbyk, Soule and Enzo Le Fee have made excellent starts, retaining ‘La Joya’ could turn out to be the defining occasion in the De Rossi reconstruction.

Dybala has agreed to move to Saudi Arabia on a mega deal recently, but a change of heart can be expected to see the play maker continue his stint in Italy for at least a few more months.

Dybala has had his future Sort of in the balance and, as a result, alongside with officially being benched for the season, was restricted to a substitute role in last week’s league opener against Cagliari which ended in a draw in Sardinia.

Roma was also leading in terms of turnover and regaining final third possession in the first round of Serie A matches, although there are occasionally signs that De Rossi’s vision is beginning to be implemented, the team has won only one of their last eight matches in all competitions.

They have however been victorious in 8 of the last 9 meetings with Empoli with a 7-0 dismantling of the Tuscan team in the Stadio Olimpico last season.

Teams formation during Empoli FC and UC Sampdoria friendly football match in Empoli stadium Italy, on August 03 2024

It was Empoli’s worst Serie A loss in their history, but when it was most recent they did edge out the Azzurri in the latest match up of two on the last match day of the 2023-24 season.

Necessary for getting out of the relegation zone in May, thanks to a final effort a crucial 2-1 win came at the Stadio Castellani where they just managed to stay afloat.

Coach Davide Nicola left after his most recent rescue operation, and now new manager Roberto D'Aversa has the responsibility of continuing a club record three-year stay in the Italian first division.

After winning 4-1 at home in their Coppa Italia first-round match against Catanzaro, his team's first competitive match was a goalless draw against Monza on the first day of Serie A.

They now have a historical record of failing to defeat Roma in the capital: the Tuscans have only managed two draws and fourteen losses in their previous 16 efforts.

Paulo Dybala, who has committed to stay with the team, may be included in Roma's starting lineup on Sunday, while Matias Soule and Stephan El Shaarawy will be pushing for a starting position to assist Artem Dovbyk up front.

Tommaso Baldanzi, who is ranked lower on the team hierarchy, plays the team he joined for his Serie A debut, Empoli, where he made 41 league appearances and scored six goals before coming to Rome. For the Giallorossi, he has not scored in 14 league games.

Daniele De Rossi should have a complete roster to select from this weekend as Leandro Paredes makes his comeback from suspension; however, his opposing number is not in the same fortunate position.