Roma vs SPAL
Italian Serie A.
Date: Saturday 20 October 2018
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Rome).
AS Roma
The Giallorossi claimed a 2-0 victory away at Empoli in their last Serie A fixture before the international break. Steven N’zonzi opened the scoring with his first goal for the capital club since joining from Sevilla while Edin Dzeko added the second five minutes from time.
Eusebio Di Francesco's men struggled at the early stage of the season but appear to have turned a corner having won their last four matches in all competitions. They are up to sixth in the Serie A with 14 points, just one behind the top four places.
Dzeko appears to be returning to his best form having scored five goals in his last three matches in all competitions for Roma. The Bosnian striker should start on Saturday with Cengiz Under and Stephan El Shaarawy expected to provide support.
SPAL
The White-Blues are coming off a defeat in their last league fixture as they were beaten at home by Inter Milan. Alberto Paloschi got their only goal on 72 minutes as they lost 2-1 to the Nerazzurri.
Leonardo Semplici's men were one of the most impressive teams at the start of the season as they claimed three wins in their opening four matches. However, things appear to have gone sideways for the visitors having lost their last four league fixtures and dropped into the bottom half of the table.
Paloschi has been the shining light for SPAL in recent matches having found the net in his last two Serie A matches. The striker has however never scored against Roma and is unlikely to break that trend this weekend.
Roma vs SPAL: Head-to-head statistics
SPAL have won only one of their last 16 away games against AS Roma in Serie A (D6 L9)
That was their only away win against Roma – back in September 1965
Roma are unbeaten in their last five Serie A games versus SPAL (W4 D1)
SPAL have lost their last four games
Roma have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches
Roma vs SPAL: Betting tips
Under 3.5 goals at 1.57 (4/7)
Roma to win first half at 1.80 (4/5).