Hellas Verona vs Roma: Serie A Match Preview, Predictions, and Key Insights
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Date: November 3, 2024
Kickoff: 17:00 UTC
Location: Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, Verona, Italy
Both teams stand at different junctures in their seasons as Serie A fans await the clash between Hellas Verona and Roma. Roma pays a visit to Verona with a slight resurgence after some rocky times, looking to grasp another three points that may see them inch further up the Serie A standings. On the other hand, Verona remains in an unstable period with a terrible defensive record and alarmingly close to the relegation zone. This clash will surely be contested hotly, with each side battling to save their season and build desperately needed momentum.
Roma’s Season So Far
Following a spate of poor results, which included defeats to some of the top teams in Italy, such as Inter Milan and Fiorentina, Roma recovered with a tight win against Torino in the last outing. The result was a 1-0 that gave a lifeline to Ivan Juric, the newly appointed Roma manager, whose tenure has underwhelmed either side of Italy's poor form in the Europa League. But those difficulties are not yet over for Juric and his men, with still 12 points from the top and a further six from their fierce city competitors Lazio.
Among the new faces that joined Roma this season is the signing of striker Artem Dovbyk, who arrived from Ukraine to add fire to Roma's forward line. Unfortunately, Dovbyk has missed the last couple of games due to illness, piling more pressure on Paulo Dybala to deliver upfront. Dybala, who scored the winner against Torino, has been played as a false nine in the absence of Dovbyk and has proved his adaptability and experience as he works to keep Roma competitive. With Dybala edging closer to the all-time top goal-scoring list for Argentinians in Serie A, having eclipsed players like Gonzalo Higuain and chasing legends like Hernan Crespo and Gabriel Batistuta, Giallorossi fans will be keenly hoping that he carries on his recent good work.
Hellas Verona’s Struggles and Defensive Woes
After a good opening to the season, in which Hellas Verona surprisingly defeated Serie A table-toppers Napoli, it has been as if, since the international break, all their momentum was lost, and since then, they were not able to get that spark once again, suffering a procession of heavy defeats. Verona lost their last three matches, conceding a whopping 10 goals in the process to give them the worst defensive record in the league. The recent 6-1 demolition at the hands of Atalanta in Bergamo exposed some of the vulnerabilities in Zanetti's defense, which again showed up in a 1-0 loss to Lecce after two key players, Jackson Tchatchoua and Reda Belahyane, were sent off.
This match against Roma becomes quite defining for Verona, separated by a single point from the relegation zone. The need to regain defensive discipline and bring cohesion at the back is something the Gialloblu must do if they are to upset the visitors. The absence of the suspended players Tchatchoua and Belahyane, joined by injured trio Juan Cruz, Pawel Dawidowicz, and Martin Frese, further places stress on their rather fragile squad. Zanetti will probably call on Dani Silva to give relief in the place of Belahyane in midfield, while the goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo-rested in their last match-should return to action with a view to assuring stability in the backline.
Head-to-Head: Verona vs Roma
The team will be given a much-needed fluidity in the attack with Dovbyk and Pellegrini possibly returning for the match against Verona. Dybala used as a false nine, recently boss of Roma has tried other formations, he might revert to his traditional approach with Dovbyk. Pellegrini's presence in midfield will also offer Roma more creativity, which hasn't been there during his absence. The jack-of-all-trades midfielder is an essential piece in Juric's plans and could thus prove basic in breaking down a Verona defense that has shown the first cracks.
On the defensive front, Roma has been decent, sometimes recouping with players like Mario Hermoso. Hermoso returns from suspension and will be important in marshaling the backline against Verona's forwards. The innate resilience of Roma was there, but consistency has been a big question, especially when away from the Stadio Olimpico. They have conceded goals in vital junctures of a game, and Juric will be keen to plug those holes as they seek to climb up the league.
Roma’s Tactical Approach and Key Players
The team will be given a much-needed fluidity in the attack with Dovbyk and Pellegrini possibly returning for the match against Verona. Dybala used as a false nine, recently boss of Roma has tried other formations, he might revert to his traditional approach with Dovbyk. Pellegrini's presence in midfield will also offer Roma more creativity, which hasn't been there during his absence. The jack-of-all-trades midfielder is an essential piece in Juric's plans and could thus prove basic in breaking down a Verona defense that has shown the first cracks.
On the defensive front, Roma has been decent, sometimes recouping with players like Mario Hermoso. Hermoso returns from suspension and will be important in marshaling the backline against Verona's forwards. The innate resilience of Roma was there, but consistency has been a big question, especially when away from the Stadio Olimpico. They have conceded goals in vital junctures of a game, and Juric will be keen to plug those holes as they seek to climb up the league.
Hellas Verona’s Game Plan and Challenges
Verona, knowing their weaknesses in defense, might want to go into this match with a bit more conservatism. Without Tchatchoua and Belahyane-very key figures within Verona's midfield structure-Zanetti will be forced into making tactical adjustments. Dani Silva has flashed a lot of potential this season, and his intervention will play a major role in containing the Roma attack while bringing some stability in the center.
Having Lorenzo Montipo back between the posts, Verona will be looking to improve on the defensive displays of recent weeks, hence being able to end runs in front of goal. Therefore, Montipo's shot-stopping ability is essential; even with Roma's unpredictable attack led by Dybala, the inclusion of players like Serdar and Lazovic should offer the offensive spark Verona needs to take advantage of the occasional defensive lapses from Roma.
Key Stats and Insights
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Verona’s Home Form: Verona has been inconsistent at home, winning only one of their last five Serie A games at the Bentegodi. This match provides them an opportunity to reclaim their fortress, but they’ll need to show significantly improved defensive discipline.
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Roma’s Away Struggles: Roma has struggled on the road, with their last few away games in Serie A yielding mixed results. Although they’ve had solid performances in other competitions, away consistency in the league remains an issue.
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Head-to-Head Record: Roma has won the majority of the encounters between these two teams. However, Verona has won two of the last three meetings at the Bentegodi, making this an unpredictable fixture.
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Paulo Dybala's Milestone: Dybala is inching closer to breaking more records among Argentinian scorers in Serie A. With 125 league goals, he’s joined elite company and will be hungry for more, especially in the absence of other Roma strikers.
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Defensive Records: Verona’s defense has conceded the most goals in Serie A this season. If they hope to compete with Roma’s offensive strength, they’ll need to deliver a season-best performance.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
Roma may come into this match as favorites given their superior record and recent form. However, Verona’s home advantage and their past results against Roma at Bentegodi introduce a level of unpredictability. Given both teams' current form, a close game is expected, possibly with both sides finding the back of the net.
- Prediction: Verona 1-2 Roma
This scoreline keeps in mind Roma's recent edge in quality and their need to keep up the form while respecting Verona's ability to stir problems on their home turf. If Verona can tighten their defense and capitalize on Roma's lapses during an away game, a draw will also be a realistic outcome.
Team Lineups (Expected)
Hellas Verona Starting XI: Montipo; Daniliuc, Ghilardi, Magnani, Bradaric; Duda, Silva; Suslov, Serdar, Lazovic; Tengstedt
AS Roma Starting XI: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Celik, Le Fee, Kone, El Shaarawy; Pellegrini, Dybala; Dovbyk
Conclusion
It is, to be sure, an important test for both teams, desperate for points in the effort to change their fortunes and standing in Serie A. Roma's slight return to form places them in a better position coming into the match, but Verona have home advantage and are one of those teams that can make quite a mess, so the Giallorossi really cannot count their chickens just yet. A must-watch game for any Serie A fan, the excitement and strategic play are a guarantee; there will be a few surprises in this tie as both teams leave it all on the pitch in Verona.
