Europa League Clash: Roma vs Athletic Club

In a highly anticipated match in the UEFA Europa League, Roma is set to face off against Athletic Club at the Stadio Olimpico. The game is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 UK time (19:00 GMT). This season, the Europa League has introduced a revamped format, with each team competing against eight different opponents in the group stages.

Roma’s coach, Ivan Juric, makes some notable selections following his team’s impressive 3-0 victory over the weekend, shortly after Daniele De Rossi‘s unexpected departure. Juric will be giving Mario Hermoso his full debut. Paulo Dybala, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Artem Dovbyk are also set to start. Key players such as Lorenzo Pellegrini, Enzo Le Fée, and Alexis Saelemaekers are unavailable, although squad rotation remains minimal.

Baldanzi is included in the lineup, capitalizing on his recent goal against Udinese, alongside Dybala, who will play just behind forward Dovbyk. The defensive formation sees Hermoso starting, while Manu Kone is chosen over Niccolo’ Pisilli in the midfield.

Athletic Club, traveling without injured midfielder Oihan Sancet, sees their goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala ready to start, alongside EURO 2024 standout Nico Williams, who has overcome recent knocks. However, Nico Williams will begin on the bench, with his brother Inaki Williams taking a starting position. Athletic Club has had an impressive start in LaLiga, securing four wins and a draw, with their only losses narrowly against Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Roma’s lineup features Svilar in goal, with a defensive line comprising Mancini, Ndicka, and debutant Hermoso. Celik, Koné, Cristante, and Angelino will handle midfield responsibilities, while Dybala and Baldanzi support striker Dovbyk upfront.

Athletic Club’s lineup consists of Agirrezabala in goal, backed by defenders Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, and Berchiche. Prados and Galarreta will manage the midfield, with Inaki Williams, Unai Gomez, and Alvaro Djaló providing offensive support to Guruzeta.

The referee for this important fixture is Kabakov from Bulgaria.