Jose Mourinho’s Roma side were victims of a midweek shock in the Coppa Italia, however will look to bounce back as they host an in-form Empoli side.
Roma exited the Coppa Italia at the hands of Cremonese, who are winless in the league. The side from the capital remain three points from second with their Champions League hopes alive and well a win here could see them move towards solidifying their position.
Empoli meanwhile have tallied up three wins and three draws in their last six games, which has seen them move above Juventus and into the top half.
The Eternal City side are unbeaten against Empoli in 13 games, boasting 10 wins and three draws.
Team News
Roma will be without Leonardo Spinazzola through injury, while both Rick Karsdorp and Nicolo Zaniolo are both currently frozen out of the first team squad following fall outs and attempts to depart the Roman side.
Empoli’s ranks will be bolstered by the return of both Ardian Ismajli and Alberto Grassi who remain out of action due to injury.
Roma possible XI | Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Celik, Cristante, Matic, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Dybala; Abraham
Empoli possible XI | Vicario; Stojanovic, De Winter, Luperto, Parisi; Bandinelli, Marin, Henderson; Baldanzi; Satriano, Caputo
Prediction | Roma 2-1 Empoli; Roma are a better side than they showed midweek and Mourinho will be desperate to get back to winning ways, GIFN predicts that Roma will just have too much quality to edge past this impressive Empoli side.
Jonathan Maze | GIFN
