Serie A: Roma vs. Cremonese – Probable line-ups and where to watch on TV

Roma will attempt to consolidate fourth place in Serie A when they welcome struggling Cremonese to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday afternoon, with kick-off set against a backdrop of mounting injury concerns for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

The Giallorosi were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at Napoli last weekend, a result that keeps them one point clear of fifth-placed Juventus and with a game in hand. Cremonese, meanwhile, ended a four-match league drought by earning a 0-0 home draw against Genoa, lifting them to 16th in the standings. Yet with only 24 points taken from 25 fixtures, the Lombardy outfit could still be dragged into the relegation quagmire if results elsewhere turn against them.

Gasperini’s biggest headache lies up front. Neither Paulo Dybala nor Matias Soule will be available, leaving January arrival Bryan Zaragoza and club captain Lorenzo Pellegrini to operate behind in-form striker Donyell Malen. The midfield picture is rosier: Manu Kone has recovered from injury and is in contention for a starting berth, while the defensive wing slots remain uncertain. Brazilian full-back Wesley is rated doubtful; should he fail a late fitness test, Zeki Celik and Kostas Tsimikas are expected to line up either side of a back three comprising Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka and Mario Hermoso.

Cremonese boss appears set to stick with the XI that frustrated Genoa, meaning veteran forwards Jamie Vardy and Milan Djuric will again lead the line. Federico Baschirotto is battling a muscular complaint; if he does not make the cut, Matteo Bianchetti is primed to step in alongside Luperto and Terracciano in a three-man defence. Midfielders Thorsby, Maleh and Payero, together with wing-backs Barbieri and Pezzella, round out the anticipated 3-5-2.

Probable teams

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Kone, Cristante, Tsimikas; Zaragoza, Pellegrini; Malen.

Cremonese (3-5-2): Audero; Terracciano, Bianchetti, Luperto; Barbieri, Thorsby, Maleh, Payero, Pezzella; Djuric, Vardy.

Viewing details

United Kingdom viewers can catch the match live on TNT Sports 3 and stream it through DAZN. Stateside audiences can follow the action on Paramount+. For minute-by-minute updates, the Football Italia Liveblog will provide comprehensive pre-match, in-play and post-match coverage.

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