Luca Toni netted a brace on his league debut for Hellas Verona as they beat AC Milan 2-1 in the opening game of the season, with the veteran hoping to spearhead another giantkilling on Sunday evening. The mastini travel to the Olimpico to face AS Roma, who started life under new coach Rudi Garcia with a comfortable 2-0 win away at newly-promoted Livorno.
AS Roma vs. Hellas Verona, Preview: Can the Mastini pull off another giantkilling?
After upsetting the odds to beat AC Milan 2-1 in the opening game of the season, Hellas Verona look to repeat the feat and pick up points away at Roma.
More from our team blogs: Roma blog Chiesa Di Totti
However, they've lost one of their star players since then, with Argentine winger Erik Lamela having packed his bags for Tottenham Hotspur. Replacement Adem Ljajić has been drafted in from Fiorentina in the meantime, though could make his debut from the bench. If so, Marco Borriello will likely be flanked by Alessandro Florenzi and Francesco Totti in Roma's attacking trident.
Totti played the last time these sides met in 2002, when Roma ran out 3-2 winners at the Olimpico. That season Fabio Capello's giallorossi finished just a point behind scudetto winners Juventus, while Alberto Malesani's Hellas were relegated.
Roma have young striker Mattia Destro and new defender Tin Jedvaj unavailable, while Hellas too have their share of injury concerns. Defender Alessandro Agostini and striker Daniele Ragatzu are both out, while defender Michelangelo Albertazzi is doubtful. However, neither side has any key first team players unavailable, with both coaches able to select their strongest starting elevens.
AS Roma injuries and suspensions
Out: Mattia Destro (injured), Tin Jedvaj (not yet approved to play). In doubt: None.
Hellas Verona injuries and suspensions
Out: Alessandro Agostini, Daniele Ragatzu (injured). In doubt: Michelangelo Albertazzi.
Projected lineups
AS Roma: Morgan De Sanctis; Federico Balzaretti, Leandro Castán, Mehdi Benatia, Maicon; Kevin Strootman, Daniele De Rossi, Miralem Pjanić; Francesco Totti, Marco Borriello, Alessandro Florenzi
Hellas Verona: Rafael; Fabrizio Cacciatore, Vangelis Moras, Domenico Maietta, Rômulo; Emil Hallfredsson, Massimo Donati, Jorginho; Raphael Martinho, Luca Toni, Boško Janković
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 6 p.m. local, 12 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
TV: RAI Internazionale (U.S. and Canada - Italian), beIN Sport (U.S. - English), Sky Supercalcio HD, Sky Calcio 1 (Italy)
Online: beIN Sport Play (U.S.)
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