Roma vs Hellas Verona

Stadio Olimpico sets the stage for a high-stakes Serie A meeting between Roma and Hellas Verona.

Matias Soule’s ‘Goal of the Season’ contender rescued a point for Roma in a dramatic 1-1 draw against bitter Derby della Capitale rivals Lazio last weekend, extending their outstanding unbeaten streak in Serie A to 16 matches (W11, D5). Despite hitting a purple patch, Claudio Ranieri’s men ended the round outside the European qualification spots, albeit within striking distance of sixth-placed Lazio. Another clash at Stadio Olimpico bodes well, especially considering ‘I Giallorossi’ have emerged victorious from 12 of their last 14 home outings across all competitions (D2). The hosts look perfectly positioned to add to that sterling sequence, having avoided defeat in 27 consecutive top-flight H2Hs on this ground (W21, D6), including a 2-1 win in this corresponding fixture last term.

On the other hand, Hellas Verona held fellow bottom-half rivals Genoa to a scoreless home draw last weekend, posting a third consecutive Serie A stalemate to finish the round eight points clear of the drop zone. On the verge of stretching their eight-year stay in Italy’s top flight, Paolo Zanetti’s lads enter this clash eager to avoid drawing four league matches on the trot for the first time since 2000. Confidence comes from a 3-2 win in this season’s reverse fixture as they aim to pull off their first league double over Roma for the first time since 1968/69. Moreover, the visitors have fared reasonably well on their recent league travels, avoiding defeat in six of their last nine (W4, D2, L3).