AS Roma host fellow Serie A giants Fiorentina on Saturday, in a mouthwatering opening day fixture. Roma defied the odds to finish second in the table last season, though after a strong summer transfer market, it looks like they'll be challenging for the title this season too. Fiorentina, meanwhile, are looking to finally break into the Champions League positions after narrowly missing out for two years running.
AS Roma vs. Fiorentina: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Two of Serie A’s best teams meet on the opening day of the new season.
Paolo Bruno
Key player - Francesco Totti (AS Roma)
It's testament to the incredible longevity of Francesco Totti that he can genuinely still be considered Roma's most important player. The 37-year-old attacker will almost certainly spearhead the giallorossi's strike force against Fiorentina, using his incredible vision and sublime technique to make the most of intelligent runs from inside forwards Gervinho and Juan Iturbe. If the viola can limit his creative influence, they'll have a much bigger chance of picking up a point or three.
Key matchup - Roma's counter-attacks vs. Fiorentina's possession
Despite having quick players like Giuseppe Rossi and Juan Cuadrado who excel on the counter-attack, Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has constructed his team with a heavy focus on possession-based football. They push high up the field as possible, and like to dominate in the opposition's half. If they're not careful, that strategy could play right into Roma's hands, with the likes of Gervinho and Juan Iturbe both possessing the pace required to do damage on the counter-attack.
AS Roma injuries and suspensions
Out: Federico Balzaretti, Kevin Strootman (injured). In doubt: Leandro Castan, Maicon, Davide Astori.
Fiorentina injuries and suspensions
Out: Juan Cuadrado, Facundo Roncaglia (suspended), Giuseppe Rossi, Matías Fernández, Marko Marin (injured). In doubt: David Pizarro.
Roma head into this match during something of a defensive injury crisis, with Leandro Castan, Maicon and Davide Astori all in doubt. Fortunately the latter is expected to be available, and will likely partner fellow summer signing Kostas Manolas in the centre of defence. Federico Balzaretti and Kevin Strootman are both still out with long-term problems.
Fiorentina will be without arguably their best player in winger Juan Cuadrado. Like his teammate Facundo Roncaglia, the Colombian will miss out through suspension. Striker Giuseppe Rossi and midfielders Matías Fernández and Marko Marin are both out injured, though deep-lying playmaker David Pizarro could recover from a calf problem to be available.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Premium Calcio (Italy)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Sky Go Italia (Italy)
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