Many absences for Sunday’s match against Sampdoria. Dybala, Pellegrini and Smalling fixed points, the unprecedented pairing Matic-Wijnaldum is ready
The only certainties of Rome go through Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Chris Smalling. José Mourinho’s loyalists who will have the task of leading the Romanist ship to port against Sampdoria on Sunday afternoon. A task that risks proving to be particularly tiring in the face of the numerous absences that the Special One has to deal with. If the good news is represented by the return – without physical complications – of Joya from Argentina and the complete recovery of her captain, the main problem for the Roma coach is represented by the absences of Mancini, Ibañez, Kumbulla and Cristante – due to disqualification – and from that of Karsdorp, who may have already finished his season after tearing his meniscus. Despite the absence of four starters and with only two centre-backs available (Smalling and Llorente), Mou doesn’t seem willing to abandon the three-man defence: therefore, in front of Rui Patricio, the Portuguese should continue to rely on an unprecedented line-up.
Celik moves back
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Against the blucerchiati the only central defender to take the field will be Smalling, flanked by Llorente – he’s ready for his second appearance from 1′ – and by Celik, the Turkish full-back who ended up in a penalty after the disastrous performance against Cremonese which cost them elimination from the Italian Cup to the Giallorossi. However, with Karsdorp’s injury, the former Lille player is destined to return to Mourinho’s rotations, who already on Sunday seem oriented to bet on him in the unprecedented role of right-wing “little arm”. In fact, Matic’s retreat in defense is less probable, also in light of Cristante’s absence in the midfield.
Unedited couple
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Just to make up for the absence of the blue midfielder, the pair Matic-Wijnaldum should play in the middle of the field – for the first time since the beginning of the game. The two had only played together in the 27′ of the game Zini lost against Cremonese. On the wings instead space for Zalewski on the right – he will take the place of Karsdorp – and Spinazzola on the opposite lane.
abraham or belotti?
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No doubts about the presence of Pellegrini and Dybala on the trocar, while the doubt related to the center forward remains to be resolved. Indeed, in the last month Belotti has shown that he is living in a better moment than Abraham – despite the fact that the first goal in the league has not yet arrived – and Mourinho is thinking of sending the former Torino player onto the pitch against the Sampdoria too. A doubt that will not be resolved before tomorrow, also in light of Abraham’s delicate situation. In fact, the Englishman represents an important asset for the club, which in the summer could also sacrifice him on the market in the name of a precious capital gain. In the intentions of the Friedkins, however, the figure deemed adequate to sell the center forward is at least 50 million euros. An assessment that risks being excessive in the face of the disappointing performance of the former Chelsea player this season – only 7 goals scored – also for this reason the next few months will be crucial to determine his future. To receive an offer up to par, a reaction is needed from Abraham who, to unlock himself, will necessarily have to start playing continuously again. Also for this reason, in the next match at the Olimpico, he could still be the one to win the ballot with the Gallo.
March 31 – 13:02
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