The Warm-up: Roma return to Serie A action against Verona

The pre-match reading

• Eusebio Di Francesco’s pre-match press conference in full
• Di Francesco confirms Florenzi set for first start in 11 months
• Squad list: Florenzi returns
• Nainggolan: Roma just need time to click under Di Francesco
• Numbers Game: The key stats on both sides

The form guide

The Giallorossi are coming off a scoreless draw in their Champions League group opener against Atletico Madrid. In their last Serie A match, two weeks ago, the team suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Inter Milan.

Hellas Verona have endured a tough start in their return to Serie A, conceding eight goals and scoring just one in their first three matches. In their league match last week, they were defeated 5-0 by Fiorentina.

Team news

Roma will be without full-backs Rick Karsdorp, Nura Abdullahi and Emerson Palmieri. Karsdorp is suffering from slight muscle fatigue while Nura has a longer-term injury. Emerson is working his way back to training after suffering a knee injury at the start of the summer.

Both Alex Ferrari and Samuel Souprayen have been included in Verona’s squad after recovering from recent knocks, but the visitors will be without Alessio Cerci, Mohamed Fares and Gian Filippo Felicioli because of injuries.

The view from the dugout

Eusebio Di Francesco: "We need to be fully focused in this game and that is partly down to Verona’s desire to bounce back. We also want to win and get back on track in the league after the Inter defeat. We will be very alert but more than anything, we’ll try to score goals and hurt our opponents.”

Fabio Pecchia: “Roma are full of champions and haven’t changed that much compared to last season. I expect a great deal from my own players, though, especially the more experienced ones. They must give something more to allow the younger elements to settle.”

Opposition danger man

GIAMPAOLO PAZZINI

The 33-year old Italian striker helped Verona gain promotion to Serie A thanks to his 23 goals last season. Pazzini’s Serie A career spans over 13 years and six different clubs, so he brings valuable experience to a relatively young squad.

As a clinical finisher with above average aerial ability, Pazzini will surely be looking to get Verona on the scoresheet in Rome.

Roma's one to watch

ALESSANDRO FLORENZI

Alessandro Florenzi will make an emotional return to the Serie A as a starter on Saturday night after spending 11 months on the sidelines due to injury. The Italian international will give Di Francesco’s squad a boost against a newly-promoted side.

Florenzi is familiar with Verona, tallying 3 goals in his 7 games played against the club and Roma fans will surely be hoping for a similar performance from the Italian tonight.