AS Roma Vs Empoli: Giallorossi Aims For The Sixth Anniversary Victory At Stadio Castellani

Alexis Saelemaekers, new AS Roma star (photo: x @OfficialASRoma)

JAKARTA - AS Roma tried to continue their positive trend when facing Empoli at Stadio Casttani, Sunday, March 9 evening local time. After recording five consecutive victories in all competitions, the Giallorossi became increasingly confident in the hunt for the top six of Serie A. Meanwhile, Empoli is still slumped in the relegation zone and needs positive results to come out of the threat of lower caste.

After stumbling at the start of the season, Roma are now starting to show consistency under Claudio Ranieri. Most recently, they managed to beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1 in the first leg of the Europa League last 16 thanks to goals from Angelino and Eldor Shomurudov.

In Serie A, Roma have also been unbeaten since the turn of the year. Last week, they won 2-1 over Como, with Artem Dovbyk scoring a decisive goal. Since Ranieri's arrival last November, Roma have won 10 games in all competitions only losing to Inter Milan in the number of wins in that period.

The meeting record is also on Roma's side. Of the last 10 meetings against Empoli in Serie A, they won eight wins, including a landslide victory 7-0 last season. However, they still have to be vigilant, considering that Empoli was able to beat them 1-0 in the first meeting of the season at Stadio Olimpico.

Empoli came to this match in an unconvincing condition. In the last five matches of Serie A, they have only won one draw and four defeats, including a landslide loss of 0-5 to Atalanta.

However, the spirit of Roberto D'Aversa's side increased slightly after they surprisingly eliminated Juventus from the Coppa Italia on penalties. The result took Empoli to the semifinals of the tournament for the first time in the club's history.

In Serie A, they failed to win after being held to a 1-1 draw by Genoa last week. Alberto Grassi's goal had brought hope, but goalkeeper Marco Silvestri's mistake in the final minute made them have to settle for one point.

Empoli need a win to improve their position in the standings. Currently, they are still stuck in the red zone and must immediately collect points so as not to be left behind in the competition to avoid relegation.

Roma are likely to rotate to keep the players ahead of the second leg against Athletic Bilbao. Matsmen have the opportunity to appear to replace Gianluca Mancini who is absent due to suspension, while Artem Dovbyk may be rested and replaced by Eldor Shomurudov on the front lines.

In Empoli's camp, they still have to face injury problems, with several defenders such as Mattia Viti and Ardian Ismajli doubtful appearances. Goalkeeper position is also a question mark, with Devis Vasquez being able to return to replace Marco Silvestri who made a mistake in the previous match.

Roma are in their best form, while Empoli is still struggling to achieve positive results in the league. Despite playing at home, Empoli is predicted to have difficulty holding back the aggressiveness of Roma who is on fire.

Empoli (3-5-2): Vasquez; Gogolichidze, Marianucci, Pezzella; Gyasi, Henderson, Grassi, Maleh, Cace; ESPosito, Colombo.

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Rensch,xides, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Kone, Paredes, Angelino; Soule, Pellegrini; Shomurudov.

Prediction: Empoli 1-3 Rom