Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to maintain continuity against Atalanta, with only two positions in Roma’s starting lineup considered uncertain.
Roma host Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico tonight, September 5, in the third round of the Serie A season.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will attempt to preserve their perfect record after recording consecutive 4-0 victories over Fiorentina and Lecce.
Continuity has been one of Gasperini’s key messages during the opening weeks of the campaign, and the coach is not expected to make significant changes against Atalanta.
Ghilardi and Ndicka Compete for Defensive Place
Mile Svilar will retain his position in goal, while Gianluca Mancini and Mario Hermoso are expected to continue in the three-man defence.
The remaining position appears to be contested by Daniele Ghilardi and Evan Ndicka.
Ghilardi impressed after replacing Ndicka shortly before kickoff against Lecce, helping Roma record another clean sheet. Ndicka has since recovered from the inflammation that kept him out at the Via del Mare and completed the final training session with the group.
Gasperini must now decide whether to restore Ndicka to the centre of the defensive unit or reward Ghilardi with another start.
Lulli and Wesley Expected to Continue
Emanuele Lulli is expected to retain his position on the right following another impressive performance against Lecce.
Wesley should continue on the opposite flank, while Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante remain the anticipated midfield pairing.
Lulli has quickly earned Gasperini’s confidence, establishing himself as one of the most notable academy breakthroughs of the opening weeks.
Dybala Challenges Soulé for Starting Role
Donyell Malen is expected to lead Roma’s attack after scoring five goals across the opening two matches.
Rodrigo Mora is also moving toward a starting place behind the Dutch striker. The Portuguese talent scored his first Serie A goal after entering from the bench against Lecce.
The final attacking position is expected to be decided between Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala.
Soulé has started both of Roma’s league matches this season, while Dybala has recovered sufficiently from his muscular fatigue to be included in Gasperini’s squad.
Read the latest updates on Dybala and Ndicka’s availability.
Roma vs Atalanta Predicted Lineups
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Ghilardi, Mancini, Hermoso; Lulli, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Dybala, Mora; Malen.
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini
Selection battles: Ghilardi or Ndicka; Soulé or Dybala.
Atalanta (4-3-3): Carnesecchi; Zappacosta, Kossounou, Scalvini, Bernasconi; Pašalić, Gaetano, Ederson; De Ketelaere, Scamacca, Raspadori.
Coach: Maurizio Sarri
Selection battles: Pašalić or Samardžić; Raspadori or Elmas.
Perfect Records on the Line at the Olimpico
Roma and Atalanta both enter the match with six points from their opening two fixtures.
The Giallorossi have scored eight goals without conceding, but tonight’s contest represents their most demanding test of the season so far.
More than 65,000 supporters are expected at the Olimpico as Roma attempt to claim a third consecutive victory.
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