Long-time Champions League adversaries Roma and Shakhtar get a chance to renew their hostilities in the last 16-tie of the Europa League. The match schedules for Thursday at Stadio Olimpico, with kickoff at 11 pm.
The Giallorossi led by former Shakhtar coach Paul Fonseca progressed to this stage for the second successive season by winning both legs against Braga – another of Foncesa’s former clubs.
The visitors dropped into the second-tier competition despite two wins against Real Madrid at the elite level. The side looks to surpass last years’ run – when they reach the semi-finals.
Ahead of this clash, Roma feels the pressure to secure their first continental silverware since the 1960-61 Fairs Cup. Their trophy cabinet remains empty, with the last trophy being the 2008 Coppa Italia in the last club’s success.
Fonseca’s men head into the clash following two consecutive victories in Serie A – against Fiorentina and Genoa – that keeps them firmly in the race for a top-four finish. The side quickly breezed past Braga 5-1 on aggregate last month in Europa League action.
Shakhtar remains on a mission to repeat and surpass the semi-final stage as they reached the last attempt. Shakhtar Donetsk is intent on lifting the Europa League cup for the second time in their history. The side is second in the Ukrainian Premier League with four points adrift of familiar foes Dynamo Kyiv.
Roma vs. Shakhtar Donetsk Head to Head
Both sides have four games against each other, with Roma taking one win while Shakhtar with three wins. Here is a look at the previous encounters:
Home
Roma 1-0 Genoa
Fiorentina 1-2 Roma
Roma 1-2 Milan
Roma 3-1 Sporting Braga
Benevento 0-0 Roma
Away
Olimpik Donetsk 0-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
Volochysk 1-0 Donetsk
Donetsk 0-1 Luhansk
Donetsk 0-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv
Shakhtar 2-0 Rukh Lviv
Roma Team News
Veteran striker Eden Dzeko sets to miss out on this clash after remaining on the sidelines during their win over Genoa. Europa League regular Borja Mayoral will deputize him in the central attacking role. Center back Roger Ibanez recently signed a new contract but remained a doubt this Thursday.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team News
There is an injury crisis at the camp, but Alan Patrick could join the side this Thursday. He might join Maycon in the engine room. In-demand midfielder Manor Solomon will lead the attacking threat on the left flank.
Prediction and Odds
Roma has an exceptional record at the Olimpico this term, and we expect the first-leg win with goals guaranteed.
Roma Win
Goals Over 2.5
Both Teams to Score