Roma Look to Bounce Back in Europa League Clash with AZ Alkmaar
After a disappointing start to their Europa League campaign, AS Roma will be looking to get back on track when they travel to face AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
The Giallorossi have managed to steady the ship in Serie A since Claudio Ranieri became their third coach of the campaign, but now he tries to climb the Europa League table and secure a place in the play-offs.
This is a genuine head-to-head for position, as Roma are on nine points, just one more than AZ Alkmaar.
Team News
Bryan Cristante and Lorenzo Pellegrini are still out injured for Roma, while AZ Alkmaar will be without Kristijan Belic and Sem Westerveld.
Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk are likely to lead the line for Roma, supported by Niccolò Pisilli and Alexis Saelemaekers.
AZ Alkmaar's main threat will come from Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott, who is their top scorer with 11 goals this season.
Key Stats
Roma have won just one of their last five Europa League matches.
AZ Alkmaar have lost just one of their last six Europa League matches.
The two teams have never met before in European competition.
Prediction
This is a tough match to call, but Roma will be confident of getting a result if they can play to their strengths.
The Giallorossi have a wealth of experience in Europe, and they will be looking to use that to their advantage.
AZ Alkmaar are a dangerous team going forward, but they can be vulnerable at the back.
If Roma can exploit those weaknesses, they should be able to come away with a win.
Prediction: Roma 2-1 AZ Alkmaar