Probable Formations: Roma vs Dynamo Kyiv
“I haven’t decided yet. [Gianluca] Mancini didn’t finish the session because of a temperature so we have to see about that. I’ll definitely make a few changes but, with seven matches in 21 days, I think it’s right to involve as many people as possible and give them all chances so that I can make choices. There won’t be huge changes but there will be some.”
That’s how Ivan Jurić’s prematch press conference began on Wednesday when he was asked about roster turnover ahead of Thursday’s match at the Olimpico against Dynamo Kyiv. And two of the players he was asked specifically about were Mats Hummels, who is still looking to make his first Roma appearance, and Enzo Le Fèe, who returned Sunday from a long injury lay-off. Here’s what he had to say.
“I’m thinking about it but I still have to decide. I can’t say for sure. I’ve spoken about Le Fee before. I expect big things from Hummels and we need him. We need to choose the right games to bed him in but I’m giving it serious consideration.”
Despite not committing to Hummels, the German is primed to start given Mancini’s illness. And the German legend is expected to complete a backline that includes Evan Ndicka and Angeliño or Mario Hermoso. Jurić was asked the reason for Angeliño consistently starting along the back three and if it had anything to do with Hermoso not being at his best.
“No, Hermoso is a top professional and I like him a lot in that position. I see Angelino as a player who can dribble and create a numerical advantage, has good vision, a good cross, defensively he’s very good, and I think he can do a great job at wing-back. He can do a great job at centre-back too and that’s why I pick him there. It’s not a choice made due to a lack of alternatives. It’s a technical decision.”
If Hermoso does get the nod, then this could be a spot to rest his compatriot Angeliño, as most major outlets are projecting Nicola Zalewski to start at left wing-back. Opposite him will be Zeki Çelik. Centering those two in the midfield appears to be some combination of Niccoló Pisilli, Bryan Cristante, and Le Fèe based on various projections from the peninsula.
Meanwhile, Artem Dovbyk will again lead the attack. He’ll likely be supported by Tommaso Baldanzi and Matías Soulé with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrinin likely to be rested.
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Hummels, Ndicka, Hermoso; Çelik, Pisilli, Le Fèe, Zalewski; Baldanzi, Soulé; Dovbyk.
