Feyenoord – AS Roma : Preview & Prediction
For the third time in as many seasons, Feyenoord face Roma in European competition, with the two clubs continuing their own intriguing individual battle for supremacy. Due to previous results between the two, the Dutch side will want to use this UEFA Europa League (UEL) playoff round encounter as revenge for their elimination in last season’s UEL quarterfinals and their 1-0 defeat suffered in the inaugural UEFA Conference League final in 2022.
This time around, Feyenoord dropped into the UEL after finishing third in their UEFA Champions League group (G2, P4), but will be happy that their two wins at least came at home. One of those wins came by 3-1 against Roma’s bitter rivals Lazio, and because the Dutch side have started 2024 unbeaten (G5, E2), they will be hoping to continue that form in this first leg.
Roma finished their UEL group stage in second place, mostly due to their poor away form (G1, E1, P1) which would end up being one of the reasons for Jose Mourinho’s sacking in mid-January. Former midfielder Daniele De Rossi has since taken charge and will make his inaugural debut in European competition in this clash against a side he eliminated as a player in the 2014/15 UEL Round of 16.
De Rossi began his Roma tenure with three straight wins, but suffered his first defeat last weekend when they lost to league leaders Inter 4-2. That means they recorded their worst start after 24 games in a Serie A season since 2012/13 in terms of points earned (38), and considering they won just once in their last five away games (P4), this visit to the Netherlands could be tricky.
Players to watch: Santiago Gimenez was the only Feyenoord player to score more than once in this season’s UCL group stage, with his two goals being registered in the home win against Lazio. Roma’s Romelu Lukaku records six goal contributions in six UEL appearances this season (five goals, one assist), scoring his last four goals in this competition before the 21st minute.
Weekend stat: Roma have not trailed at halftime in 15 consecutive UEL matches, including the last two meetings between them (MT: G8, E7).
Feyenoord – AS Roma : Betting Tips
Feyenoord – Win Odds: 2.25
