Roma's biggest test so far
Jose Mourinho’s Roma look to earn a third successive Serie A victory when they play host to Sassuolo on Sunday. Mourinho takes over in Rome after a couple of years of sliding away from the top end of Serie A under Paulo Fonseca. The Portuguese showed promise but was ultimately unsuccessful at both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur and therefore arrived back in Italy with a point to prove, with his place at the summit of European football management under question. The Yellow and Reds come in as strong favourites for this encounter, however Sassuolo pose the club’s toughest test so far this term.
Background
Roberto De Zerbi departed the dugout this summer for Shakhtar Donetsk, leaving the club to regenerate another side that can look to improve on last season’s eighth placed side, and feat of equally Roma on 62 points.
Tammy Abraham and Rui Patricio are the big name additions for Roma, joining from Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively, the expectations are lofty particularly of the 23-year-old Abraham, who signed for £36 million according to Transfermarkt.
The club will be hoping the appointment of Mourinho takes them closer to breaking back into the top four, they are also a big fish in the inaugural edition of the Europa Conference League. Coincidentally alongside Mourinho’s former club Tottenham. Lorenzo Pellegrini’s goals from midfield are as important as ever now, especially following the departure of Edin Dzeko to Inter Milan, Roma face an uphill battle to reach the top four but with a fresh optimism under Mourinho will be feeling optimistic about their chances.
Serie A has been one of the most exciting leagues in the world in the last couple of seasons, and despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, they have signed a lucrative TV deal with BT Sport, making the division much easier to watch in the United Kingdom. The added exposure should allow the league to take centre stage and demonstrate its quality, with Juventus favourites to win the Scudetto under Massimiliano Allegri.
Sassuolo are a very entertaining side to watch, a little similar to Leeds United in the Premier League and with the precocious talents of Hamed Traore and Jeremie Boga in attack, they will threaten the Roma goal. The hosts are a little short with the market here.
The goal line is incredibly high and therefore an unders selection appeals.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-1 Roma, a profitable week.