Feyenoord will renew acquaintances with Roma in the Europa League knockout round playoffs on Thursday evening, and the Round of 16 is looming large.
For the third consecutive season, Feyenoord will lock horns with Roma, but there will be a new manager in the dugout for the visitors.
Jose Mourinho, who masterminded wins over Feyenoord in Europe in 2022 and 2023, has been succeeded by Roma legend Daniele de Rossi, and the early signs appear to suggest he is having the desired effect.
De Rossi’s charges went toe-to-toe with Serie A leaders Inter Milan last weekend before crumbling to a 4-2 defeat, revealing their soft underbelly. Nevertheless, they are up to sixth in the table and within a shot of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Meanwhile, Feyenoord prepared for this clash with a 2-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie, and they will be hoping to continue their European expedition after finishing third in the Champions League group stages this term.
Anyway, the first leg promises to be an entertaining encounter, and I have rummaged through the markets to select a couple of betting tips for you to mull over ahead of kick-off.
Roma to take a big step towards last 16
Inevitably, when there is an overhaul in the management staff, it can take a while for things to click.
However, De Rossi has eased himself into the head coach role, picking up three wins from his first four games in charge in all competitions, and his side seems to have a new-found dynamism.
Although while some fans may have shed a tear for Mourinho, who guided Roma to their first trophy in 14 years with victory over Feyenoord in the inaugural Europa Conference League, football rarely allows a place for sentiment.
Anyway, Roma, who finished runners-up in their Europa League group will fancy their chances against Feyenoord, a side they have only tasted defeat once against in four previous meetings.
Intriguingly, Feyenoord boasts a stellar record against Italian teams, with six wins and three draws from 10 clashes. A win over Lazio in the Champions League earlier this term represented their fourth victory on the trot.
Roma’s record on the road against Dutch opponents is more evenly split (W3, L3), but De Rossi’s merry men won’t be intrepid visitors.
For my opening gambit, I think Roma will have done their homework, and they will take a lead back to the Stadio Olimpico. Paddy Power has stumped up odds of 27/10 for Roma to clinch victory in the first leg.
Lorenzo Pellegrini to provide platform for win
De Rossi could well make a few changes to his side against Feyenoord, but one player that remains vital to the cause is Lorenzo Pellegrini.
While the midfielder only previous strike in the Europa League this term came in a 4-0 thrashing of Servette back in October, the Italian has hit a purple patch of late.
Three goals in his past four outings in all competitions would underline this, and he could well end his drought.
To round things off, I like the look of Pellegrini to break the deadlock and set Roma on their way to victory, and a tempting price of 10/1 has been advertised at bet365 for you to feast on.
Bet £10, Get £50 in Bonuses
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