Soccer

Parma vs. AS Roma: Time and game preview

AS Roma travels to Parma without a few key players, but they should be able to secure another win

by Uros Popovic

Sep 24, 2014, 11:00 AM UTC

Paolo Bruno

Part Of

Serie A, Week 4: Juventus, Roma both win again

see all updates

AS Roma have been perfect so far in their bid for the scudetto. Three routine wins from three games gives Rudi García's boys much confidence ahead of their trip to Parma. However, the lupi are facing an injury crisis which will, no doubt, make things more complicated.

Meanwhile, Roberto Donadoni's squad haven't had the best start to the season, but they improved enough to get their first win against Chievo Verona on the weekend. Still, it's questionable whether their improvement will be enough to take anything from Roma.

Key player - Radja Nainggolan

Nainggolan has been in magnificent form for Roma so far this season, and has been one of the best players in Serie A in the first three rounds. The Belgian midfielder is a very important part of García’s team as he offers protection for the backline, though he is equally important in the initiating Roma’s swift attacks. His long shots and forward runs often result in goalscoring opportunities.

Key matchup - Roma wide forwards vs Parma fullbacks

The giallorossi are perhaps the team with the most depth, and it's hard to tell what part of the team is their strongest. Their wide players do a lot of work in both directions. Their Parma counterparts will have to have one of the best games of their careers to keep up, and it still might not be enough against Gervinho and Alessandro Florenzi.

Parma injuries and suspensions

Out: Jonathan Biabiany, Gabriel Paletta, Mattia Cassani, Marijan Ćorić. In doubt: Soufiane Bidaoui.

AS Roma injuries and suspensions

Out: Daniele De Rossi, Davide Astori, Leandro Castan, Kevin Strootman, Juan Iturbe, Federico Balzaretti, Marco Boriello, Salih Ulcan. In doubt: None.

De Rossi will be out for two weeks due to a muscle injury, but the biggest problems for Roma are in the defense. Astori and Castan still haven’t recovered, which is why García will have to use Yanga-Mbiwa as a centre-back, alongside fellow summer arrival Kostas Manolas.

Parma is missing some important players as well in Biabiany and Paletta.