The Giallorossi currently sit fourth in the Serie A table after 14 match days, reflecting an overall successful domestic campaign for Roma. Many fans, known as Romanisti, would have eagerly accepted this position at the outset of Gian Piero Gasperini’s inaugural season at Trigoria. However, recent back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Napoli and Cagliari have dampened spirits, igniting discussions about the team’s faltering attack.
As Roma gears up for their second trip to Glasgow this season, the squad aims to regain its momentum before hosting sixth-place Como on Monday. Previously, during their last visit to Scotland, the Giallorossi managed a solid 2-0 victory against Rangers. This time, they will face Celtic at Celtic Park, and a win would not only calm nerves but also boost their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds of the Europa League.
The match against Celtic is particularly significant as the Scottish side is also navigating a period of transition. Just a week ago, Celtic appointed French manager Wilfried Nancy, who has experience in the MLS with Montreal and Columbus. Unfortunately, Nancy’s start was rocky, as he suffered a defeat in his league debut against Hearts, further distancing Celtic from the top of the league. Currently, Celtic sits on 7 points from five Europa League matches, with just two wins and one draw. The Giallorossi will need to be wary, as a misstep could see them overtaken by their opponents in the standings.
Defensively, Roma has shown impressive solidity, allowing only seven goals in 14 league matches and five in five European fixtures—totaling just 12 conceded over 19 matches. Such a defensive record is often associated with title-winning teams. However, the offensive side of the game has left much to be desired. With only 15 league goals and an additional 7 in Europe, the team has averaged just over a goal per match, positioning them in the middle of the pack for scoring. It is evident that while a solid defense can secure crucial points, this alone cannot sustain the team’s ambition without improvement in the attack.
All five of Roma’s league defeats have occurred with a scoreline of 1-0, including a similar loss to Lille in Europe. This trend highlights the urgent need for improvement among the attacking players. Although Artem Dovbyk is recovering from injury and will not participate, Gasperini faces another decision: to opt for Evan Ferguson, who is rumored to leave in January, or to implement a false nine formation utilizing either Paulo Dybala or Tommaso Baldanzi. Whichever route is taken, securing goals is vital for Roma to achieve a favorable outcome and get closer to progressing in the competition.
In terms of lineup, the expected formation for Roma is a 3-4-2-1: Svilar in goal; a defensive trio of Hermoso, Ndicka, and Mancini; a midfield consisting of Wesley, Kone, Cristante, and Celik; and an attacking trio featuring Pellegrini, Soule, and Dybala. As the Giallorossi prepare for this crucial match, both players and coaching staff understand the significance of finding their rhythm and restoring confidence as they aim for success in Glasgow.
