Roma vs Cremonese – News and Probable Lineups

In their pursuit of a top-four finish, Roma is set to host Serie A side Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico this Sunday.

After narrowly missing victory in Naples last week, the Giallorossi have managed just one win in their last five outings, whereas Cremonese hasn’t experienced a win since December and is steadily heading toward relegation.

Match overview

Currently situated one point ahead of fifth-placed Juventus after 25 matches, and with regional rivals Como and Atalanta close behind, Roma is facing a tough battle to achieve their long-awaited return to the Champions League.

Despite Donyell Malen finding the net twice for the second consecutive game, Napoli’s late resurgence led to a 2-2 draw in last week’s Derby del Sole.

Following a dramatic outing at Stadio Maradona, the Giallorossi have gained just two points from their six encounters against Serie A’s current top five—an outcome that could be disadvantageous in the long run.

Having recorded three straight victories before, they have now diminished their form, securing only one win in their last four league matches, pushing Gian Piero Gasperini to aim for a return to form this weekend.

His tactically adept squad has conceded a mere six goals in twelve home games—boasting the best defensive record in Serie A—and they typically perform mercilessly against lesser teams.

Roma has triumphed in all four fixtures against promoted teams with an aggregate score of 7-1; over recent years, they have managed to win 14 out of their last 15 matches against them.

Thus, history favors Roma in their upcoming match against Cremonese, having defeated them six times in eight previous league encounters in the capital, averaging three goals per game.

After losing 3-1 at Stadio Zini last November, Cremonese has dropped five of the last six league encounters with Roma, although they notably bested Roma twice in February 2023—first in the Coppa Italia, followed by a league victory.

Despite their stature, the Grigiorossi faced relegation that season, and their current return to Serie A also seems to be on a downward trajectory.

Since achieving back-to-back wins early in December, the Lombardy side has accumulated just four points over 11 fixtures while netting three goals—both figures representing the lowest in Italy’s top division.

The scoreless draw with Genoa last week marked their ninth game in which they failed to score, and manager Davide Nicola’s squad is not particularly solid defensively, having conceded the most shots on target of any team this season.

Now struggling in the relegation battle, the previous Serie B playoff winners risk slipping into the bottom three if results are unfavorable this weekend.

Famed for his expertise in steering teams away from the drop zone, Nicola appears to be grappling with the effort to turn things around, carrying a record of eight losses and four draws against Gasperini to the capital.

Team News

Roma cannot let points slip away ahead of their crucial fixture against Juventus next week, so Gasperini is likely to field his strongest available players despite the seemingly weaker opposition.

However, Brazilian wing-back Wesley has endured an ankle sprain after facing Napoli, while Paulo Dybala remains sidelined with a knee injury, joining Stephan El Shaarawy, Evan Ferguson, and Artem Dovbyk in the crowded treatment area at Trigoria.

On a positive note for the hosts, both Mario Hermoso and key midfielder Manu Kone should be returning from minor injuries, although their starting status is uncertain.

While January acquisition Malen boasts an impressive one Serie A goal every 78 minutes, Cremonese’s forward duo have been struggling to find the net.

Federico Bonazzoli has struggled with 18 attempts this year without scoring, while Jamie Vardy has been stuck on five league goals for a protracted period; additionally, fellow veteran Milan Djuric had little impact in his rare opportunity last week.

Belgian midfielder Jari Vandeputte returned to the bench against Genoa, but Nicola will still lack Michele Collocolo, Mikayil Faye, and Warren Bondo due to injuries.

Roma probable starting XI:

Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Celik, Cristante, Pisilli, Tsimikas; Soule, Pellegrini; Malen

Cremonese probable starting XI:

Audero; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Luperto; Barbieri, Thorsby, Payero, Maleh, Pezzella; Bonazzoli, Vardy

All signs indicate a routine victory for Roma, who should effectively deal with the troubled Cremonese.

The Giallorossi consistently dispatch lower-tier teams, while a struggling Cremo may be destined for relegation.