Roma prepare to face the away game against Sampdoria with a team decimated by injuries. The only good news coming from the infirmary are about Florenzi and Perotti, who recovered and will be in the match-day squad. The Italian and Pastore are contenders for a spot in the starting XI, with the Argentine being a favourite. Coach Paulo Fonseca praised the former PSG player in the press conference and could give him the nod over Florenzi, who is returning from injury.
On the attacking front, Dzeko's presence in the squad is still a doubt, as a Bosnian returned to training earlier this week with a protective mask following the fractured injury suffered in the Cagliari match. The leading striker will be Nikola Kalinic, who has appeared willing to show his value with his new shirt. In midfield, Roma has little to no choice, with the only two players available being Cristante and Veretout. Pastore is the favourite to play behind the striker in the attacking midfielders trio, with Zaniolo expected to play on the right side and Kluivert on the left. Should Florenzi play over the Argentinian, Zaniolo would shift in the number 10 role.
Here the Giallorossi's expected starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Pau Lopez, Spinazzola, Smalling, Mancini, Kolarov, Veretout, Cristante,Kluivert, Pastore, Zaniolo, Kalinic
