Europa League | AZ Alkmaar v Roma: Match Preview
The UEFA Europa League returns to action this Thursday with a pivotal clash between AZ Alkmaar and AS Roma at the AFAS Stadion. With just one point separating the two sides in the standings and only two games remaining in the league phase, both teams are eyeing a coveted top-eight finish that would secure automatic qualification for the knockout stages. The post Europa League | AZ Alkmaar v Roma: Match Preview appeared first on FootItalia.com.
The UEFA Europa League returns to action this Thursday with a pivotal clash between AZ Alkmaar and AS Roma at the AFAS Stadion. With just one point separating the two sides in the standings and only two games remaining in the league phase, both teams are eyeing a coveted top-eight finish that would secure automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
The Dutch side, affectionately known as De Kaasboeren, have displayed remarkable consistency in their Europa League campaign thus far. With a perfectly balanced record of two wins, two draws, and two losses, AZ have accumulated eight points and find themselves just inside the crucial top 24 positions. Their most recent European outing, a 2-2 draw against Ludogorets in Bulgaria, showcased both their offensive prowess and defensive vulnerabilities.
Coach Maarten Martens will be acutely aware of the importance of securing maximum points in this final home fixture. AZ’s formidable record at the AFAS Stadion, where they have lost just two of their last 34 European games, winning 22, provides a solid foundation for optimism. Moreover, the Dutch club remains unbeaten against Italian opposition on home soil in UEFA competitions, having previously faced the likes of Inter Milan, Udinese, Napoli, and Roma’s arch-rivals Lazio.
In domestic competition, AZ currently sit sixth in the Eredivisie, just a couple of points adrift of the top four. Their recent form has been impressive, with the team unbeaten in their last seven league matches. This run of good results, coupled with their strong European home record, suggests that AZ will pose a significant challenge for their Italian visitors.
The Giallorossi arrive in Alkmaar with a mixed Europa League record this season, having secured two wins, three draws, and suffered one defeat. Despite their illustrious European pedigree, which includes reaching the Europa League final in 2023 and the semi-finals last season, Roma have struggled to find their best form in the current campaign.
However, under the guidance of veteran coach Claudio Ranieri, the Italian side have shown signs of revival in recent weeks. Their last European outing before the winter break saw them demolish Braga 3-0 in a match where they registered an astounding 34 shots on goal – a feat achieved by only three other teams in the competition’s history.
Currently sitting two points shy of the automatic qualification spots, Roma know that victories against both AZ and their final group stage opponents, Eintracht Frankfurt, may be necessary to secure direct passage to the last 16. The capital club enters this crucial fixture on the back of a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions, including a triumph in the Derby della Capitale against Lazio and a convincing 3-1 victory over Genoa last weekend.
For AZ Alkmaar, all eyes will be on Troy Parrott. The Republic of Ireland striker, recently named the Eredivisie’s player of the month for December, will be eager to end his post-winter break goal drought and add to his impressive tally. However, the Dutch side will have to cope without their Europa League top scorer, Ruben van Bommel, who remains sidelined with injury.
Roma’s attack is likely to be spearheaded by the in-form duo of Artem Dovbyk and Paulo Dybala. Dovbyk, in particular, has been in scintillating form, netting five goals in his last six appearances. The return to fitness of captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and midfielder Bryan Cristante provides Ranieri with additional options in the centre of the park.
Team News
AZ Alkmaar will face some personnel challenges heading into the match. Sam Westerveld is confirmed injured and will not play, while Dense Kasius is questionable for the fixture. The Dutch side will be particularly missing Ruben van Bommel, their Europa League top scorer, who is sidelined for his third consecutive game. Another absence is Ibrahim Sadiq, leaving manager Maarten Martens with limited options.
Roma’s midfield will be significantly impacted by injuries. Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini has been diagnosed with a knee ligament injury and is expected to miss the match against AZ Alkmaar. Bryan Cristante remains sidelined with an ankle injury, further depleting Claudio Ranieri’s midfield options. The club has also loaned out Enzo Le Fee to Sunderland during the January transfer window.
Expected Starting XIs
AZ Almaar: Mandas; Marusic, Romagnoli, Gila, Pellegrini; Dele-Bashiru, Rovella; Tchaouna, Dia, Pedro; Castellanos
Roma: Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Munoz; Kubo, Mendez, Zubimendi, Sucic, Gomez; Oyarzabal
Match Prediction
This encounter presents an intriguing tactical battle between AZ’s formidable home record and Roma’s recent struggles on the road. The Dutch side’s attacking prowess, having failed to score just once in their last 15 matches, will test a Roma defence that has managed only three clean sheets in the same period.
Prediction: AZ Almaar 2-1 Roma
The post Europa League | AZ Alkmaar v Roma: Match Preview appeared first on FootItalia.com.
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