The Giallorossi hoping to bounce back strongly after losing to Siena; http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-c31294 Donadoni looking to extend his impressive form with the Gialloblu
AS Roma (6th) will take on Parma (12th) in matchday 24 game of the Serie A at Stadio Olimpico Rome on Saturday, 19 February 2012 at 14:00 GMT.
After a convincing 4-0 victory over http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan, the Giallorossi suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Siena in their recent league game. On the other hand, Parma played a goalless draw against Juventus in a rescheduled game in the midweek.
Roma
Luis Enrique’s men have been extremely inconsistent in the ongoing campaign, as they have performed well in few matches, and have failed miserably in others. La Maggica have won six of the 11 games played at Stadio Olimpico Rome, having drawn three and lost two. They have not lost a home game in their last six matches.
Roma have been criticised of playing with a slow tempo despite dominating majority of the possession in the recent matches.
Parma
The Gialloblu have a poor record away from home this season, having managed only two wins on their travels. However, they have not lost a single game in their last five matches.
Roberto Donadoni will be concerned with his team’s defending, as they have conceded eight goals in their last four games. Parma do not enjoy a great record against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603, as they have not beaten them in their last 11 head to head matches.
The corresponding fixture of the last season finished as a 2-2 stalemate.
Team News
Roma
The hosts will be boosted by the return of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pablo-Osvaldo-c28996, who has recovered from a thigh injury. Simon Kjaer is suspended for the game after picking up a yellow card against Siena. Nicolas Burdisso is still out with an injury, while Juan will undergo a late fitness test.
Roma (probable): Stekelenburg; Rosi, Juan, Heinze, Taddei; Pjanic, De Rossi, Gago; Totti; Borini, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Osvaldo-c28821
Parma
The visitors have a full squad at their disposal with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sebastian-Giovinco-c32724 upfront in a 4-4-2 formation.
Parma (probable): Pavarini; Zaccardo, Ferrario, Lucarelli; Biabiany, Valiani, Morrone, Mariga, Modesto; Giovinco, Floccari
Players to Watch
Pablo Osvaldo (AS Roma)
The Italian international was the most influential performer for the Giallorossi before picking up an injury last month. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fabio-Borini-c13163 has shouldered the goal-scoring burden in Osvaldo’s absence, and his partnership with the former Espanyol star will be interesting to see.
The 26-year-old has scored seven goals in the league campaign so far.
Sebastian Giovinco (Parma)
The Italian has been responsible for majority of the good-work done by Parma this season. The pocket-sized striker has scored seven goals and has assisted in four of them in 15 appearances this season.
Giovinco had a poor game against Roma in the earlier game of the season, and he will be looking to make amends for that performance.
Prediction
Roma have been in free-flowing form at Rome of late, having scored 15 goals in the last six games played at home soil. Their defensive record during the period has also been impressive, conceding only four of late.
The Giallorossi are expected to cruise to an easy home win with returning star, Osvaldo likely to find himself on the goal sheet. Verdict: 3-0.
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