Roma v Sassuolo: over 62,000 expected at the Olimpico

Gian Piero Gasperini is set to retain the front three of Soulé, Rodrigo Mora and Malen, according to a convergence of the main Italian dailies' probable line-ups published this morning on the eve of Roma's next fixture. Devis Vasquez is tipped to start in goal by six of the seven newspapers, while only Tuttosport suggests Pierluigi Gollini could return. Given the condition of the Italian goalkeeper, the Colombian is firmly favoured to start. The defence is where the picture is less certain. The most popular option is Ghilardi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Leonardo Balerdi, tipped by Il Messaggero, Tuttosport and Corriere della Sera, and Gianluca Mancini, picked by Il Tempo, remain in contention. On the flanks, there is near-unanimous agreement: Molina on the right and Wesley on the left. There is also no doubt in midfield, where Gasperini is expected to rely again on the pairing of Cristante and De Roon. Up front, the choice also appears settled. Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are set to operate behind Donyell Malen, who remains Roma's central attacking reference. The only dissenting voice is Tuttosport, which proposes Niccolò Pisilli in place of the Portuguese forward. The probable Roma line-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation is: Vasquez; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Soulé, Rodrigo Mora; Malen.

Roberto Pruzzo believes Roma should have little trouble against Sassuolo, saying the visitors lack energy and the Giallorossi must take advantage. Radio pundits across Rome's stations previewed the fixture with a range of views on the lineup and the team's approach. Marco Juric of Manà Manà Sport (90.9) said Roma must not underestimate the commitment required tonight. He reported that Molina is ahead of Lulli for the right flank. In defence, Ghilardi and Mancini are competing for a place in the back line. In midfield, de Roon and Cristante are expected to start again, with Mora, Soulé and Malen forming the attacking trio. Juric added: "Against certain opponents, in my opinion, it makes the right difference to play with Gollini rather than with Vasquez." Pruzzo, on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), said: "It is difficult to find a danger for Roma in tonight's match, because Sassuolo have no energy. I don't know if Aquilani will be able to keep his place. Roma must take advantage of it, they are not finding it hard to win these games. After the cup match there is a need to play a game that allows you to win." Nando Orsi, also on Radio Radio Mattino (104.5), said: "Apparently tonight's match for Roma is a walkover. This Sassuolo side has looked like a weak team, which always concedes goals. Today I cannot imagine Roma not returning home with the three points. Sixty minutes are enough, three goals and then they manage the game. I would have played Ndicka against Manchester, not against Sassuolo, but the changes are forced." Orsi added: "The only thing that is asked of Roma is to be more consistent in performance over 90 minutes: it is hard to maintain those rhythms, they need to be managed."

Roma face Sassuolo with pundits on Radio Radio agreeing that three points are essential for the squad's morale after a demanding Champions League trip. Matera said the game would be important for morale because it comes after a Champions League away fixture that has brought with it all the problems Roma have been facing. Carina said Roma are playing very well and that the match must be won "senza se e senza ma" (without ifs or buts). He pointed out that Sassuolo are in free fall, have conceded 16 goals in their last four matches and have the worst defence in the league. Carina also said Gollini appears unlikely to play tonight because of back pain, which he described as serious for a goalkeeper, and that Vásquez should therefore get the start. He added: "We hope Dybala returns after the break: if Roma did not go well, Dybala would become a front-page case. Whatever happens, Inter-Como will be a success, provided Roma take the three points." Pruzzo said it is difficult to see any danger for Roma because Sassuolo have no energy left. He noted that Aquilani, who had been linked with Como, has experienced the exact opposite, and said: "I don't know if he will be able to keep his job." Pruzzo added: "Roma must take advantage of this: they are not struggling to win these matches. After the cup game there is a need to play a match that allows you to win." Orsi said the game looked like a stroll and represented an opportunity to confirm what Roma have been doing. He said Sassuolo, against Udinese, looked like a weak side that always concedes. "Today I cannot think that Roma will not come home with the three points. If Roma play like Roma for 60 minutes, score three goals and then manage the game." Orsi said he would have picked N'Dicka against Manchester rather than against Sassuolo, but that the changes are forced and it is difficult to choose. He added: "The only thing asked of Roma is to be more consistent in performances over 90 minutes: it is difficult to maintain those rhythms, but you have to pace them."