Following their last-minute league win over Monza, Roma return to European play on Thursday evening when they host Slavia Praha in Europa League group play—the first meeting between the sides since 1996.
Both teams enter the clash with six points after beginning play in Group G with two straight wins. The Czech side are currently atop the group standings thanks to their impressive +8 goal difference—three better than the Giallorossi.
Manager Jose Mourinho is expected to make a few changes to the team that defeated Monza on Sunday, but he’ll still be limited on defensive options. Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Renato Sanches remain unavailable while fullbacks Leonardo Spinazzola and Rick Karsdorp are expected to be rested.
Meanwhile, Slavia Praha have enjoyed a strong start to their season, entering Thursday with a record of 14 wins, 4 draws, and 1 defeat across all competitions. The Czech side have scored eights goals and conceded none through their first two Europa League group ties—their latest being a 6-0 dismantling of Moldovan champions Sheriff.
ROMA (3-5-2): Svilar; Mancini, Cristante, Ndicka; Celik, Aouar, Paredes, Bove, Zalewski; El Shaarawy, Lukaku
Unavailable: Tammy Abraham, Marash Kumbulla, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Renato Sanches, Paulo Dybala
SLAVIA PRAHA (3-4-2-1): Mandous; Masopust, Holes, Ogbu; Doudera, Zafeiris, Dorley, Provod; Schranz, Wallem; Chytil
Unavailable: Petr Sevcik, David Pech
