View from the Opposition: The quickfire scouting report on SPAL

We asked Corrado Magnoni, Ferrara correspondent from Mediaset Premium, to give us the lowdown on SPAL’s season so far and how they may line up at the Stadio Olimpico…

What has changed at SPAL compared to last season and what are the objectives for this campaign?

“After gaining promotion to Serie A for the first time in 49 years, SPAL have changed significantly this summer in order to deliver a squad capable of competing in the top flight. To cite some of the main names, [Alberto] Paloschi and [Marco] Borriello have joined in attack, [Federico] Viviani and [Alberto] Grassi in midfield, while the defence has been bolstered by Felipe, who is probably the biggest signing.

Currently SPAL are fourth from bottom, but nevertheless on track for salvation. So far, the club has dropped a few points on the road, but a lot will depend on the upcoming fixtures – Roma aside – against fellow relegation battlers Hellas Verona and Benevento.”

Who will Leonardo Semplici pick on Friday and what will his formation be?

“The formation will be a 3-5-2 with Gomis between the sticks; Cremonesi, Vicari and Felipe in a back three; a midfield of, from right to left, Lazzari, Schiattarella, Viviani, Grassi and Mattiello; and a front two of Paloschi, who is sure to start, alongside probably Borriello.

"The only doubts in the formation surround the right-sided defender, where Oikonomou is jostling for a place with Cremonesi, and the partner to Paloschi up front, which could also be Federico Bonazzoli.”

Who will be the key player for SPAL against Roma?

“I think Marco Borriello because of his quality and experience. He’s also looking to bounce back and is coming up against his old side; he scored plenty in the past for Roma. He has only managed one goal for SPAL, less than expected by the club, but I think the team’s cautious approach in games doesn’t help him in front of goal.

"As well as Borriello, I think central defender Francesco Vicari’s heading ability could cause some problems for the Giallorossi, seeing as SPAL are excellent at set pieces.”

If you could take one player from Roma, who would you pick?

“Edin Dzeko, because he’s a great striker and, like Borriello, he hasn’t scored for a few games so definitely wants to get back among the goals.

"As an aside., I’ll mention that the Bosnian forward has history with Ferrara: when he was a youngster he played for Zeljeznicar’s youth team against SPAL in a tournament at the Stadio Paolo Mazza. Obviously, he made a great impression on the club officials even back then.”