Dybala set to feature against Empoli after Saudi snub.
AS Roma look to secure their first win of the season as they face Empoli, a side they have historically dominated, in a Sunday evening clash at Stadio Olimpico.
Roma
Daniele De Rossi failed to get the Giallorossi off to a perfect start, following a disappointing goalless draw against Cagliari in last weekend’s league opener. While Roma have Roberto Piccoli’s wastefulness to thank for taking something out of the game, new signing Artem Dovbyk also failed to announce his arrival in Serie A with a debut goal, despite coming close on two occasions.
The draw leaves De Rossi’s men in 16th place, heading into this weekend’s clash with Empoli, where they will now look to bounce back from matchday one’s setback. Roma have exhibited dominance in recent meetings against the visitors, winning eight of their last nine such games in Serie A.
The Giallorossi are also the team against which the Tuscans have played the most away games without ever winning in Serie A, with 16 unsuccessful attempts. Furthermore, the last league game between these two sides at the Stadio Olimpico ended in a resounding 7-0 victory for the hosts, handing Empoli their biggest defeat in their Serie A history.
Roma will be looking to extend their impressive run of dominance when they welcome Empoli once again. However, Roma have been poor in recent times, winning only one of their last eight matches in all competitions.
Matías Soulé, new signing Artem Dovbyk, and Paulo Dybala, who turned down a move to Saudi Arabia, are expected to start in attack when De Rossi lays out the familiar 4-3-3. Dybala snubbed an offer of €75 million ($83 million) over three years to remain in Rome. "Thank you, Rome... See you on Sunday," he said in an Instagram post.
Empoli
Like the hosts, Empoli are also coming off a goalless draw in last weekend’s league opener against Monza. New manager Roberto D'Aversa, making his Serie A debut with the club, also failed to earn a win.
Empoli are currently in 14th place on the table, two spots above this weekend’s opponents, Roma. Looking to leave a mark when they make the trip to the capital, D'Aversa’s men will seek to draw inspiration from their recent encounter with the Giallorossi, which saw them emerge 2-1 winners over Roma in the final game of last season.
However, the Tuscans have never won two games in a row against the Giallorossi in the competition. A 3-5-2 formation could be seen against Roma, with Lorenzo Colombo and Sebastiano Esposito in attack.
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