As two teams currently grappling with their form in the lower half of the Serie A standings, Roma and Parma are set to face off in a crucial match at the Stadio Olimpico this Sunday. Both clubs are eager to secure a much-needed victory as they approach the holiday season, hoping to turn their fortunes around with an early Christmas gift.
Roma enter this match following a tumultuous period, having suffered another disappointing league defeat last Sunday against Como. However, they managed to bounce back midweek in the Coppa Italia, where they comfortably defeated Sampdoria 4-1. This win provided a temporary reprieve for the Giallorossi, who have struggled significantly in Serie A, winning only four of their first 16 matches. Their recent league form is alarming, with seven losses in their last nine outings, placing them perilously close to the relegation zone.
Interim coach Claudio Ranieri finds himself under pressure as he seeks to instil confidence in his squad. Historically, Roma have been dominant against Parma at home, remaining unbeaten in their last 20 league encounters at the Olimpico since 1997. This statistic adds an extra layer of expectation for the home side, as losing to Parma would be unthinkable for a fanbase already frustrated by the team’s inconsistent performances.
On the other hand, Parma arrive in Rome looking to halt their own slide after suffering back-to-back defeats. The Emilian side is just one point behind Roma and is determined to avoid a third consecutive loss—something they have not experienced since returning to Serie A. Their last outing ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat against Hellas Verona, which exposed vulnerabilities in their defense that they will need to address quickly.
Team News
For Roma, Ranieri is expected to make several changes following his rotation of players during the Coppa Italia match. Key players like Mile Svilar and Manu Kone are likely to return to the starting lineup. Kone has resumed training after dealing with muscular fatigue, while Mats Hummels and Bryan Cristante remain sidelined due to injuries.
Stephan El Shaarawy has been a bright spot for Roma this season, contributing significantly to their goal tally despite not being a regular starter. He will compete for a place in the attacking lineup alongside Dovbyk and Pellegrini.
Parma faces its own challenges with injuries affecting their squad depth. Long-term absentees include Alessandro Circati and Mateusz Kowalski, while Nahuel Estevez and Yordan Osorio are also out for this match. Despite these setbacks, forward Ange-Yoan Bonny will look to end his four-game goalless streak and provide a spark for his team.
Expected Starting XIs
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Hermoso, Ndicka; Celik, Paredes, Kone, Angelino; Dybala, El Shaarawy; Dovbyk
Parma: Suzuki; Coulibaly, Balogh, Del Prato, Valeri; Keita, Sohm; Man, Hernani, Cancellieri; Bonny
Match Prediction
With both teams desperate for points and struggling with consistency, this match promises to be an intense encounter. Roma’s home advantage could play a crucial role; however, their unpredictable form raises questions about their ability to secure all three points. Parma’s defensive frailties may provide opportunities for Roma’s attackers to exploit.
Ultimately, this clash could very well end with Roma edging out Parma by a scoreline of 2-0 as they seek to restore some pride at home and build momentum heading into the new year. The stakes are high for both clubs as they aim to climb away from the relegation zone and stabilize their seasons before the winter break.
Prediction: Roma 2-0 Parma
