As the Serie A season unfolds, we turn our attention to an exciting clash between Sassuolo and Roma scheduled for December 3, 2023. Knowfootball.ng brings you a detailed preview, including predictions, team news, and possible lineups.

Recent Form and Expectations

Sassuolo enters the game on the back of a thrilling 4-3 victory against Empoli, providing a much-needed boost after a challenging run. Meanwhile, Roma, despite recent success in Serie A, faced disappointment in the Europa League, drawing 1-1 against Servette.

The Neroverdi, unbeaten in six of their last seven meetings with Roma, aim to capitalize on their recent goal-laden performances and secure another positive result. On the other hand, Jose Mourinho’s men seek to bounce back from their midweek setback and continue their Serie A resurgence.

Team News

Sassuolo:

• Key Player: Domenico Berardi, Sassuolo’s talisman, has been in exceptional form, scoring crucial goals, including a stoppage-time winner against Empoli.
• Lineup Changes: Matias Vina is set to step in at left-back, replacing the injured Mattia Viti, while Kristian Thorstvedt competes with Nedim Bajrami for the playmaker’s role.

Roma:

• Key Players: Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku form the formidable front pair, with backup striker Andrea Belotti boasting an impressive record against Sassuolo.
• Injuries: Long-term absentees Tammy Abraham and Marash Kumbulla are on the road to recovery, but Chris Smalling continues to struggle with tendinitis.

Tactical Insights

Sassuolo, favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation, will look to Andrea Pinamonti for attacking prowess, supported by playmaker Kristian Thorstvedt. Domenico Berardi’s penalty-scoring ability adds a crucial dimension to their attack.

Roma, led by Jose Mourinho, must overcome their inconsistency away from home. The duo of Dybala and Lukaku will spearhead the attack, while tactical adjustments may follow Mourinho’s critique of the team’s intensity.

Possible Starting Lineups

Sassuolo:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Starting XI: Consigli; Toljan, Erlic, Ferrari, Vina; Boloca, Henrique; Berardi, Thorstvedt, Lauriente; Pinamonti

Roma:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Starting XI: Patricio; Mancini, Llorente, N’Dicka; Karsdorp, Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini, Spinazzola; Dybala, Lukaku

Match Prediction

Sassuolo’s recent improvement and Roma’s struggles away from home set the stage for a closely contested match. Our prediction leans toward a 1-1 draw, reflecting the challenges both teams face in securing a decisive victory.

Our expert tipster partners suggest considering “under 3.5 goals” for this match, indicating a potentially tight defensive battle.