At 2:45 AM on August 26th, Roma will host Empoli in the second round of the 2024/25 Serie A season. Roma stumbled in their opener, drawing a blank against Cagliari. Similarly, Empoli also started with a scoreless draw, against Monza.
Roma has been active in the transfer window this summer, generating significant noise compared to their constrained efforts last season. So far, they’ve spent nearly €90 million, securing Doffibek from Girona for €30.5 million, Sule from Juventus for €25.6 million, and Le Fee from Rennes for €23 million. They’ve got quantity and quality. De Rossi has been given full support by the club. However, the performance of the new signings in the first game was uneven. Doffibek attempted three shots, hitting the frame once, but otherwise, the former La Liga Golden Boot made no impact. Sule played solidly, neither outstanding nor mediocre. De Rossi was also unhappy with his team’s performance, deeming them too scattered and lacking focus. Considering Cagliari’s performance last season, De Rossi’s anger is understandable.
Empoli narrowly escaped relegation on the last day of last season, having been thrashed 7-0 by Mourinho’s Roma. In their opening match against Monza, Empoli played defensively, but they created five more scoring chances, and they were quite threatening. Empoli hasn’t spent a dime in the transfer market this summer, acquiring all new players through loan deals. Kolenber from AC Milan, Esposito from Inter Milan, and Solbakken from Roma. Empoli’s scouting is commendable. These three players are all quite capable, lacking only game time, which Empoli was able to capitalize on. Their performances on the field have been immediate, each showcasing their worth.
The two teams share a similarity, particularly last season, as they both experienced a period of decline followed by resurgence, and both saw a mid-season change in coaches. Roma’s performance after the change is well documented, nearly securing a Champions League spot. Empoli, after the change, saw a significant improvement in their defense, their tactics became more practical, and they ultimately filled the hole left by their previous coach, successfully securing their survival.
Statistically, the two teams have faced each other 36 times in history. Roma holds a clear advantage with 25 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses. Last season, Empoli first lost to Roma 0-7, but in the final round, they defeated their opponents 2-1, securing their place in the league. This was Roma’s first loss to Empoli since the 2007/08 season, having previously held an 8-game winning streak. At home, Roma has never lost to Empoli, boasting a record of 15 wins and 3 draws, maintaining a formidable “bloodline suppression”.
Doffibek hasn’t fully integrated into De Rossi’s system, he still needs time, that’s a fact. Roma’s full strength hasn’t been displayed yet, that’s also a fact. Before the game, Roma’s coach spoke about Dybala, saying, “In today’s football world, Dybala’s decision is quite rare, it’s moving, he and Sule can coexist in midfield.” Paredes will return to the team after serving his suspension, giving De Rossi more options in midfield. Empoli’s situation is not as fortunate, Ebuhei and Perisan are unavailable due to injury, Żurkowski’s participation is uncertain, and Alberto is suspended. With an already weak squad, coupled with various reasons for player absences, Empoli’s prospects in this game are not optimistic.
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