Roma head to the Stadio Ennio Tardini on Saturday for a crucial Serie A encounter against Parma, with their Champions League aspirations hanging in the balance. The Giallorossi sit fifth in the table with 64 points, three adrift of fourth-placed Milan and four behind Juventus, making every remaining fixture a must-win. Gasperini's side comes into the match on the back of a commanding 4-0 victory over Fiorentina, a result that reignited their top-four push.
For Parma, the stakes are entirely different. The Ducali, under coach Cuesta, have little to play for in the final weeks of the season, having secured their safety earlier. Their 13th-place standing offers comfort but no pressure, which could make them dangerous opponents free from fear of relegation. The reverse fixture at the Olimpico ended 2-1 in Parma's favor, a result Roma will be eager to avenge.
Gasperini has opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Svilar between the posts behind a back three of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso. The midfield sees Celik and Wesley as wing-backs, with Koné and Cristante anchoring the center. In attack, Soulé and Dybala support lone striker Malen, who will be looking to add to his tally after scoring in recent outings. The bench offers options like Tsimikas and Angelino for late impact.
Parma, meanwhile, line up in a 3-5-2 with Suzuki in goal, protected by Circati, Troilo, and Ndiaye. The midfield features Delprato, Ordonez, Nicolussi Caviglia, Keita, and Valeri, while Strefezza and Pellegrino lead the line. With nothing to lose, Cuesta's men may look to exploit any complacency from Roma.
The match is officiated by Chiffi (Padova), with Bahri and Vecchi as assistants. Maresca serves as the fourth official, while Mazzoleni handles VAR duties alongside Paganessi. The atmosphere at the Tardini is expected to be electric, with Roma's traveling support hoping to spur their team toward a vital victory.
Beyond the immediate result, the implications for Roma are significant. A win would cut the gap to Milan to just one point if the Rossoneri stumble in their later kick-off against Atalanta. A draw or loss, however, could see them slip further behind, especially with the derby against Lazio looming next weekend. Gasperini's men understand the gravity of the occasion, as they seek to return to Europe's elite competition.
For Parma, the match is an opportunity to play spoiler and build momentum for next season. Their young squad, featuring talents like Strefezza and Pellegrino, will aim to test Roma's defensive solidity. The Ducali have shown resilience at home, and their fans will expect a spirited performance regardless of the standings.
The match kicks off at 18:00 local time and is available live on Sky Sport Calcio (channel 202) and Sky Sport (251), as well as streaming platforms Now and DAZN. Fans can follow the action with real-time updates on our site.
As the Serie A season enters its decisive phase, every point matters. Roma's journey to Parma represents a critical juncture in their campaign—a chance to keep the dream alive or watch it slip away. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.com - Calcio.
