Roma Prepares to Host Lille in Europa League Clash

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: AS Roma faces Lille at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in a highly anticipated UEFA Europa League match. This is the first competitive meeting between the two clubs. Roma heads into the encounter with optimism, having lost only twice in their last 12 matches against French teams.

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has been cautious about player fatigue following a busy schedule. He stated in a pre-match press conference, “The fatigue isn’t physical; it’s tough to recover from intense games.” Despite concerns about tired legs, Gasperini is optimistic. Roma has kept four clean sheets in their last five league games and has a strong home record in European competitions.

With key players Paulo Dybala and Leon Bailey sidelined due to injuries, Gasperini is likely to rely on young talents. Matías Soulé and Artem Dovbyk, both of whom have performed well recently, are expected to feature prominently. Gasperini commented, “We bring in players who are ready to step up.”

Meanwhile, Lille arrives in Rome after a solid start to their Europa League campaign, riding a stable form but missing a few key defenders due to injury. They will look to veteran striker Olivier Giroud, who has made a significant impact since his return to French football. Giroud scored in their previous Europa League match and remains a potent threat.

The match presents a crucial test for Roma’s defense, particularly for Evan Ndicka, who will be tasked with containing Giroud. With both teams in search of victory, the match is expected to deliver high-intensity action.

Kickoff is set for 18:45 CET (12:45 EDT) at the Stadio Olimpico. Fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports 4. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure points in the group stage of the Europa League.