Roma will be ready to cling to their impressive first-leg win over Eredivisie leaders when they welcome them home this week. The match schedules for Thursday at Stadio Olimpico with kickoff at 10 pm.
The Giallorossi ended Ajax’s ten-match unbeaten streak as they head into the second leg from the opening game. The two valuable away goals come in extra handy.
Despite an unconvincing display at Johann Cruijff Arena last Thursday, Roma earns their fifth straight Europa League win. It was a poor display from both sides, but Roma managed to come from behind to end the hosts’ undefeated streak in 2021.
Even though both sides have high-profile injuries heading into the clash, the hosts largely dominated two-thirds of the possession twice as many visitors. The 2-1 win was a good run of form for Roma since the knockout rounds.
Fonseca heads into the clash after ousted Braga in the last 32 and then following up with Shakhtar Donetsk in the following round. It marks the first time Roma head into the final four of the competition under Fonseca.
After watching their 15 matches unbeaten streak come to an end, Ajax felt nothing but frustration after a lackluster performance in the opening leg of the quarter-final. Erik ten Hag’s men remain relentless while only dropping points to PSV in their last 13 league matches.
Roma vs. Ajax Head to Head
Both sides have one match against each other with Roma picking the win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Roma 1-0 Bologna
Ajax 1-2 Roma
Sassuolo 2-2 Roma
Roma 0-2 Napoli
Shakhtar Donetsk 1-2 Roma
Away
RKC Waalwijk 0-1 Ajax
Ajax 1-2 Roma
Heerenveen 1-2 Ajax
Ajax 5-0 ADO Den Haag
Young Boys 0-2 Ajax
Roma Team News
Both sides face a selection issue ahead of the Thursday’s clash after injuries and suspension take a toll. Leonardo Spinazolla will miss out on the clash after picking a muscular problem in the first leg. Bruno Peres remains suspended, thus paving the way for youngster Riccardo Calafiori to feature.
Ajax Team News
Daley Blind and Maarten Stekelenburg remain sidelined with respective injuries, while Brian Brobbey might also miss out on the clash. Dusan Tadic will operate as a false nine, with Sebastian Haller taking no part in the Europa League campaign after the club’s mistake.
Prediction and Odds
Ajax will be keeping the Italian flag flying high but overcoming the two away goals remains a significant hurdle.
Correct Score: 1-1
Draw
Goals Under 2.5
