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Coming off their embarrassing Coppa Italia elimination versus bottom of the table Cremonese, Roma are back in league action this weekend for round 21 in Serie A.
The Giallorossi host 10th placed Empoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday evening. The Tuscans enter the clash on a seven-match unbeaten run which includes a win over Inter at San Siro.
Meanwhile Jose Mourinho’s side are coming off a difficult week both on and off the pitch. The club had to deal with the fallout from Nicolo Zaniolo’s transfer request before subsequent losses to Napoli and Cremonese in the Coppa Italia.
“But there it is. Over the years I have learned not to cry after a defeat and to instead look forward to the next game,” the Special One said their loss.
“Our squad struggles when we are forced into rotation, we struggle to play three games in one week. However, getting back to the match tonight, we deserved to pay the price for how we played in the first half.”
Though, Saturday’s fixture won’t be a walk in the park for the capital club. Paolo Zanetti’s men haven’t lost a league fixture since November 8th versus Napoli.
They’ve also been impressive away from home, earning a win and a draw against Inter and Lazio, respectively.
“Roma are a great team, with extraordinary support and a great coach, no matter whether they’re going through ups or downs,” said Empoli coach Paolo Zanetti.
“The Coppa Italia does not change the value of both individuals and their collective. It remains a difficult game, I think we will have to do well.”
He continued, “The match against Inter gave us and the confidence and we said to ourselves that we can do it again. It can be done if we play with courage, putting our certainties into play.”
“Roma have no weaknesses, they often depend on what the opponent does wrong. They have quality and players who can change the pace and outcome of a match.”
Kick-off is scheduled for 18.00 CET at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
ROMA (3-4-1-2) Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Zalewski, Cristante, Matic, El Shaarawy; Pellegrini; Dybala, Abraham
EMPOLI (4-3-1-2) Vicario; Stojanovic, De Winter, Luperto, Parisi; Haas, Marin, Bandinelli; Baldanzi; Caputo, Satriano
