Roma must respond to the call of the round of 16, because at the Stadio Olimpico after the first leg, which was steeped in controversy and outbursts at Claudio Ranieri’s microphones, the atmosphere now seems milder and calmer. The 1-1 draw in Oporto against Anselmi’s side, which saw Roma take the lead with Celik’s goal, achieved by Francisco Moura, increases expectations and the wolf’s present response in its home den. On Thursday 20 February at 18:45, Ranieri will have Paulo Dybala back at his disposal. Dybala underwent today’s entire training session with the team, recovering from the severe contusion to his left knee, which he suffered last Thursday in the first leg.
Should the Giallorossi prevail in tonight’s clash, they will face one of Lazio or Atletico Bilbao in the final eight. For the starting eleven, there is confirmation for the defensive department with the return of Hummels in the centre of defence after a spell out alongside Mancini and Ndicka. Ranieri will have the whole squad available except for the disqualified Saelemakers and Cristante. Celik on the right and Angelino on the left for the fifth-midfield slot, with Pisilli (favourite but in a slight run-off with Pellegrini) and Konè in the middle of the pitch to help Paredes at the bottom of the pitch. Dybala in tandem with Dovbyk in attack, but a possible Roma coach’s award to Soulè, fresh from his decisive and valuable free-kick that gave Roma three tough points against Parma on Sunday afternoon, cannot be ruled out.
Roma Porto: likely formations
ROMA (3-5-2): Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Celik, Konè, Paredes, Pisilli, Angelino; Dybala, Dovbyk. All. Ranieri
PORTO (3-4-2-1): Diogo Costa; Djalò, Perez, Otavio; Joao Mario, Moura, Varela, Eustaquio: Mora, Pepe; Omorodion. All: Anselmi.
