View from the Opposition: The quickfire scouting report on Verona

How have Verona changed compared to last season and what are the club’s targets for this term?

“The club have tried to provide greater balance to a squad which was promoted from Serie B, with big-name signings like Alessio Cerci to bolster the front line and Martin Caceres and Thomas Heurtaux to strengthen the defence. Things haven’t gone well following the first two matches however, given that the team conceded eight goals in matches against Napoli and Fiorentina.

"The main issue with the squad at this moment in time appears to be up top where Cerci is injured and Giampaolo Pazzini is the only one the team can rely on. After the departures of Luca Siligardi, Juanito Gomez and Davide Luppi, the other options in attack are Seung-Woo Lee and Moise Kean, two very promising youngsters but who are yet to prove themselves in Serie A.

"Despite the tough start, the target for the season remains survival, ideally with a game or two to spare and not on the final weekend of the season.”

How do you expect Fabio Pecchia’s side to line up on Saturday night?

“Pecchia is coaching in Serie A for the first time and is still getting to grips with this level. He usually sets up his team in a 4-3-3 but due to injuries and unavailability this could morph into a 3-5-2. Nicolas will play in goal, with Heurtaux and Caceres at centre-back and Alex Ferrari and Samuel Souprayen the full-backs.

"Bruno Zuculini or Marco Fossati will play in the middle of the park with Romulo on the right and Daniel Bessa on the left. Pazzini should start up front with Daniele Verde and possibly Kean. Clearly Pecchia could mix things up by pushing Romulo forward and picking Marcel Buchel in midfield.”

Who will be Verona’s key man at Roma?

“Besides Pazzini’s ability and experience, Daniel Bessa could also prove a match winner. He’s got great feet and is the only Verona player that operates between the lines, beats players and creates numbers up. He also has a great shot on him.”

Which Roma player would you take if could pinch one?

“I’d definitely say Edin Dzeko because Verona have toiled defensively and the Bosnian is a powerful centre forward. He could cause problems for the Gialloblu by bringing his team-mates into play and from set-pieces where Verona really struggle.”