There's no two without three. The popular saying fully represents the hopes of the Giallorossi supporters, chasing a success against Sampdoria which would bring Roma's consecutive victories to 3. A result that would be very important both for the standings (in that case Fiorentina would be third by only 2 points) and for morale, so far revitalized by Spalletti even before the game. “We have to stop saying that the environment in Rome is difficult, we have to build our own style – explained the Giallorossi coach. – When I was at Zenit they only recognized me for what I had done here, we represent a great club."
Psychological work at all levels, which in addition to making Pallotta fall in love ("he managed to change things in 3 weeks" the enraptured comment of the US president), brought enthusiasm back to a fan base on a war footing. The victories over Frosinone and Sassuolo did the rest, but now we need another one against Sampdoria otherwise we'll go back to square one. “We will find a very difficult team to face – thought Spalletti. – Montella is a quality coach, his players have great balance and know how to stay on the pitch. But we are doing well and we are growing, the data says so: we have decreased turnovers and this means that there is greater serenity”. The problems, if anything, come from the crowded infirmary: in addition to the usual Strootman (although on the verge of returning), Torosidis, Digne, Gyomber and De Rossi will be missing, as well as the suspended Nainggolan.
A team to be reinvented once again, which is why Spalletti is thinking of returning to a 3-4-2-1 with Szczesny in goal, Rudiger, Manolas and Zukanovic in defence, Florenzi, Pjanic, Vainqueur and El Shaarawy in midfield, Salah and Perotti on trocar behind Dzeko, still hunting for a goal that has been missing since last November 21st (penalty in Bologna, for the last and only open play we have to go back to August 30th!). "We are the ones who serve him badly, we have to support him more and better" Spalletti defended him, but it is clear that he too expects the Bosnian to break free as soon as possible. For his part, Montella, former always loved by the yellow and red people, is looking for very important points for the fight for salvation and will play it with a 3-4-2-1 mirroring that of his fellow Roma player, therefore Viviano in goal, Ranocchia, Silvestre and Moisander in defence, Cassani, Fernando, Ivan and Dodò in midfield, Soriano and Correa in the trocar behind the lone striker Muriel.
