Preview: Roma vs. Sassuolo - prediction, team news, lineups

While the Giallorossi's recent revival sees them back in the mix for Champions League qualification, their visitors also received a boost by changing manager, finally ending a long winless run with victory in a relegation six-pointer.

Match preview

Continuing their woeful record in England, Roma may have lost to Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday evening, but they still coasted to a 4-1 aggregate success following their scintillating performance in Rome one week earlier.

Friday's draw for the Europa League quarter-finals paired Daniele De Rossi's side with Italian rivals AC Milan, and that tie takes place during an action-packed April, when they will also meet fellow top-six contenders Bologna and Napoli in Serie A, plus Lazio in the Derby della Capitale.

Ahead of their trip to the Amex, Roma maintained momentum last weekend, with a last-gasp equaliser from Diego Llorente rescuing one point against Fiorentina at Stadio Franchi.

The Giallorossi have lost just twice in 12 games since Jose Mourinho departed, scoring the most goals in Serie A - at an average of nearly three per game - and sitting joint-second for points gained, only behind champions-elect Inter Milan.

Formerly captain and midfield heartbeat of the capital club, De Rossi's reign could well be extended beyond its original term, which ends at this season's conclusion, but Roma cannot afford any slip-ups in a competitive race European places.

Having won just three of their last 10 league meetings with Sunday's visitors, though, they will aim to follow up the third of those victories, which came in December at the Mapei Stadium.

After failing to win any of their first nine top-flight games against Roma at Stadio Olimpico, Sassuolo finally succeeded in the most recent: a remarkable 4-3 triumph almost exactly one year ago.

Since then, much has changed for the Neroverdi, who recently lost talisman Domenico Berardi to a season-ending injury and former coach Alessio Dionisi, who was shown the door earlier this month.

Spiralling towards the Serie A trapdoor, Sassuolo had lost four games in succession ahead of last week's crucial win over free-falling Frosinone - new boss Davide Ballardini's first home game in charge.

Kristian Thorstvedt scored the only goal on 58 minutes, before visiting striker Kaio Jorge missed a late penalty to let the hosts escape with both maximum points and a first clean sheet in 10 attempts.

That was still not enough to haul Sassuolo clear of the drop zone, and with a meagre tally of 23 points after 28 matches - the Emilian club's worst such tally since a decade ago, when they were making their debut at Italy's top level - Ballardini has much work left to do.

Roma Serie A form:

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Roma form (all competitions):

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Sassuolo Serie A form:

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Team News

Still a major doubt due to a hip problem, Roma striker Romelu Lukaku may miss out on improving his proud record versus Sassuolo, against whom he has scored six goals in as many Serie A matches.

Sardar Azmoun deputised in midweek, while fellow forward Tammy Abraham is currently completing the final stages of his recovery from an ACL injury; defensive duo Rasmus Kristensen (thigh) and Chris Smalling (ankle) are also unavailable.

Argentinian pair Paulo Dybala and Leandro Paredes should return to the Giallorossi's starting lineup on Sunday, after both were rested against Brighton; Angelino may also come back in for Leonardo Spinazzola at left-back.

Meanwhile, Sassuolo will be without Josh Doig and last week's match-winner Kristian Thorstvedt due to suspension, while star man Domenico Berardi is out of action for the foreseeable future.

Davide Ballardini should have right-back Jeremy Toljan at his disposal, though, and Mattia Viti has also rejoined training after a muscular injury.

It remains to be seen whether Marash Kumbulla will be selected against his parent club, but Andrea Pinamonti is almost certain to start up front. The latter has scored five goals against Roma in Serie A - two more than against any other club - and needs one more to reach double figures in the league this season.

Roma possible starting lineup:

Svilar; Karsdorp, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Azmoun, El Shaarawy

Sassuolo possible starting lineup:

Consigli; Toljan, Ferrari, Erlic, Pedersen; Racic, Henrique; Defrel, Bajrami, Lauriente; Pinamonti

We say: Roma 3-1 Sassuolo

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