José Mourinho’s Roma reign came to a screeching halt last weekend as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat to AC Milan. The Giallorossi are in their worst form for over two decades and local hero Daniele De Rossi has been tasked with turning things around.
Morale is likely to be low, but there’s no better place to start than at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma are unbeaten in their last 12 home games in all competitions, and they have a strong record against Hellas Verona.
In fact, Roma have won 20 of their last 26 home games against Verona, including a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture this season. The Giallorossi have also scored 12 of their 31 league goals after the 80th minute this season, so they will be hoping to continue that trend against Verona.
Verona are fighting for their Serie A survival, but they have won just two of their last 15 away games. They will need to improve that record if they are to cause an upset in Rome.
The key battle will be between Roma goalkeeper Rui Patrício and Verona striker Milan Đurić. Patrício has only kept one clean sheet against Verona in five meetings, while Đurić has scored two late winners for Verona this season.
It’s a tough ask for De Rossi and his team, but they have the potential to pull off a surprise. If they can get the crowd behind them and find their scoring touch in the second half, they could just sneak a win.
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