AS Roma look to bounce back from their defeat to Napoli in the Derby del Sole when they host Empoli in Matchday 21 of Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. The Giallorossi remain in the hunt for Champions League qualification but a recent run of good form was halted by the Partenopei last weekend.
Much of the past week has been overshadowed by Nicolo Zaniolo‘s public falling out with the club, but Roma are hoping to move past that against Empoli and move level on points with second-placed Inter on 40 ahead of the Derby della Madonnina the following day.
Empoli, meanwhile, are enjoying a positive season of their own and sit in 10th, with the Azzurri comfortably clear of the relegation zone and hopeful of securing a top-half finish.
AS Roma v Empoli: Predicted line-ups
Roma coach Jose Mourinho will be without wingback Leonardo Spinazzola after a thigh strain sustained against Napoli, whilst Andrea Belotti is expected to replace the injured Tammy Abraham in attack.
Striker Mattia Destro is not ready to return to face his former club for Empoli, whilst Ardian Ismajli and Alberto Grassi are also out.
AS Roma predicted XI v Empoli (3-4-2-1): Rui Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Celik, Cristante, Matic, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Dybala; Belotti
Empoli predicted XI v AS Roma (4-3-1-2): Vicario; Ebuehi, De Winter, Luperto, Cacace; Akpa Akpro, Marin, Bandinelli; Baldanzi; Satriano, Caputo
AS Roma v Empoli: When does the Serie A fixture start?
Kick-off in the Serie A Matchday 21 fixture of AS Roma v Empoli is set for 18:00 CET, local time in Italy, on Saturday 4 February.
For viewers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the game will start at 17:00 GMT. That is 12:00 ET / 09:00 PT in the United States.
AS Roma v Empoli: Where to watch the Serie A fixture?
AS Roma vEmpoli in Serie A will be shown on BT Sport 2 in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Saturday 4 February.
For fans in the United States, AS Roma v Empoli will be on Paramount+ along with other key fixtures in Serie A Matchday 21.
