Roma, bolstered by an impressive recruitment drive over the summer break, opens their 2022-23 campaign against Salernitana on Sunday evening with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Roma’s first year under their charismatic coach ended in glory as they were crowned Champions League finalists in Tirana. However, they fell short in their quest for Champions League qualification by some seven points.
The Giallorossi will therefore enter the Europa League at the group stage this term. For the challenge ahead, Jose Mourinho has recruited a host of experienced heads, including Paulo Dybala and Georginio Wijnaldum.
A special Eternal City welcome was laid on for Nemanja Matic, whose successful time at Juventus came to an injury-plagued end.
Salernitana has only beaten Roma once in their last six meetings. Despite being outsiders on Sunday, the Granata will be glad to be starting their season following last year’s events. Having narrowly avoided relegation in January, the Campanian club appointed proven Serie B survival specialist Davide Nicola in February.
The third season coach at Stadio Arechi – Nicola turned the ship around and ultimately defied expectations by keeping Salernitana afloat after previously saving Crotone, Genoa, and hometown club Torino from relegation to Serie B.
In light of this, Matteo Lovato has been brought in on a permanent deal to shore up the defence, with Lille left-back Domagoj Bradaric and goalkeeper Luigi Sepe also signing up for the challenge of avoiding relegation.
Salernitana vs. Roma Head to Head
Both sides have two games against each other, with the visitors taking two wins while the hosts are winless. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Salernitana 0-2 Parma
- Galatasaray 1-1 Salernitana
- Salernitana 2-0 Krakow
- Hoffenheim 2-2 Salernitana
Away
- Roma 5-0 Shakhtar Donetsk
- Roma 1-0 Tottenham
- Nice 1-1 Roma
- Sporting CP 3-2 Roma
Salernitana Team News
Salernitana begins their campaign with an attack weakened by the exits of Ederson and Milan Djuric. Still, Franck Ribery remains, and some late signings offer Davide Nicola a range of options for this weekend’s match.
Roma Team News
Jose Mourinho is expected to start the season with a back three, with two attacking midfielders supporting a lone striker up front. Therefore, as in Roma’s final two friendlies, Nicolo Zaniolo, Tammy Abraham, and Paulo Dybala will occupy the final third, with captain Lorenzo Pellegrini forced into a deeper role.
Prediction and Odds
Roma’s new signings will take some time to gel, but they should have little trouble scoring against Salernitana at home on the opening weekend.
- Roma Win
- Goals Over 1.5
- Dybala to Score
