Roma must win at home against Brighton

When Daniele de Rossi took over as Mourinho’s successor at AS Roma in mid-January, the Tifosi were quick to embrace the romantic idea of putting a club icon in charge. However, some supporters and, above all, neutral observers were highly critical of the appointment of the 117-time Italian international due to his lack of head coaching experience at this level. After just under two months, however, de Rossi’s first interim assessment is very positive. Roma have lost just one of nine competitive matches under their new coach

In view of this, it is even a little surprising that slightly higher odds are being offered in the run-up to the first leg between AS Roma and Brighton for the Italians to progress to the quarter-finals. The fact is that the Giallorossi have blossomed into a genuine cup team at international level in recent years and know exactly when a top performance is required. A certain amount of experience in European competition, coupled with an advantage in form, means that the hand can easily point in the direction of “La Magica” in the first of the two matches on Thursday evening

While it is always a gamble to bet against a representative of the English Premier League in one of the three most important European club competitions, the Seagulls from the south of the country have been running out of steam of late. Coach Roberto de Zerbi’s men have had a few lapses recently, especially away from home, and have provided a target for the home team. If this trend continues in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16, we are not averse to predicting a home win in the AS Roma v Brighton clash

AS Roma – statistics & current form

When Roma lost their away game at AC Milan 3-1 in mid-January, leaving them winless in Serie A for the third time in a row, the club bosses decided to pull the ripcord and relieve “The Special One” José Mourinho of his duties. They quickly found the ideal solution in ex-professional Daniele de Rossi. Born in Rome, he started his tenure with three trebles before losing the top match at Inter Milan 2:4 despite leading at one stage. To date, however, it was the last and only defeat in the still young tenure of the 40-year-old, who has enjoyed hero status at Roma for many years.

The bottom line is nine matches in the GDR statistics, six of which the Red & Yellows won (two draws, one defeat). Both draws were against Feyenoord Rotterdam in the intermediate round of the Europa League. As the first and second legs ended 1-1, the game went to a penalty shoot-out, in which the Italians came out on top and qualified for the last 16

De Rossi has restored Roma’s belief in their own strength

Given their really good form and confidence, the odds on a home win in the first leg between AS Roma and Brighton on Thursday evening are pretty good. The Giallorossi’s impressive home record in the Europa League also speaks for itself. The Romans have lost just one of their last 23 home games in this competition (17-5-1). Eight of the last nine EL matches at the Stadio Olimpico have been victorious.

Aside from that, coach de Rossi has been able to rely on his powerful offense in recent weeks. I Lupi” have scored at least one goal in every game under his management. In seven league games with GDR on the sidelines, there were always two or more goals to celebrate.

Paulo Dybala was particularly impressive. Seven goals in his last seven matches underline this just as impressively as four goals on the last two match days. The Argentinian scored all three goals in the 3-2 win over Torino the previous week, while Dybala scored once in the superb 4-1 victory in Monza at the weekend

Predicted line-up for AS Roma:

Brighton – Statistics & current form

In 2005/06, Bolton Wanderers were the last English team to reach the knockout rounds on their European Cup debut. While the Wanderers ultimately failed to reach the last 32 against Olympique Marseille almost 20 years ago, Brighton & Hove Albion are now aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League in their debut season. It certainly seems feasible, even if – as indicated at the beginning – we do not necessarily agree with the Premier League club’s role as favorites against the reigning Europa League finalists.

This is primarily due to the rather sobering recent performances at national level. Coach Roberto de Zerbi’s side have won just two of their last eight PL matches. The dress rehearsal at the weekend went badly wrong with a 3-0 defeat at Fulham FC. Currently ninth in the standings, the Blue & Whites must worry about qualifying for the European competition again

Showing Brighton’s weak PL face away from home?

If we delve deeper into the causes, the away weakness must definitely be identified as the sticking point. Only four of 14 PL games away from home have been won so far. Half of these matches in opposing stadiums were lost. They have also conceded 28 goals, an average of exactly two per match. As a very experienced and high-quality opponent with a strong offense awaits, we wouldn’t be surprised if the English concede a goal or two.

In general, it will be interesting to see what approach Coach de Zerbi gives his men. Unlike in the Premier League, where the focus is almost exclusively on going forward, it has so far been the defense that has left its mark on the BHA game at international level. In the final four group games, the Seagulls did not concede a single goal. Those who are therefore afraid of taking big risks and instead believe in a rather low-scoring and highlight-poor first leg can still find a satisfactory 1.57 at Betano for the AS Roma vs Brighton prediction on the 1X & Under 4.5, which covers many eventualities well.

Predicted line-up of Brighton:

AS Rome – Brighton Direct comparison / H2H balance

As already mentioned, this is Brighton’s debut season at international level, so there has logically been no previous clash with Roma. In general, it will be the southern English side’s first match against an Italian representative. Nevertheless, the fact that in seven of the last nine cases in which clubs from Serie A and the Premier League have met in a Europa League knockout tie, the English club has progressed to the next round should give the visitors hope.

AS Roma – Brighton tip

One of the most exciting and certainly most thrilling constellations can be found in the EL round of 16 between AS Roma and Brighton. According to the betting odds, there is no clear favorite to progress. However, the English side are considered to have a slightly better chance of progressing, as they have remained unbeaten five times in a row in the group stage following an opening defeat and have never lost away from home in European competition in their club history.

That could change on Thursday evening, however, when coach Roberto de Zerbi’s side visit the Stadio Olimpico, where they have fought a number of battles in the Europa League recently. In the previous season, for example, the Romans reached the final; a year earlier, “La Magica” even won the Conference League title. It was always the home games in front of a frenetic crowd that laid the foundations for the team’s success. The team also beat Feyenoord in the intermediate round in a penalty shoot-out in front of their own fans to progress to the next round.

In addition to the home advantage, which is also reflected in the fact that “I Lupi” have only lost one of their last 23 EL home games, the current form of coach Daniele de Rossi’s team also speaks in their favor, as they have excelled in attack in recent weeks. The same cannot be said of the visitors from England. The Seagulls have not been able to do much, especially away from home