Roma v Palermo: Three opposition players to watch

If the Giallorossi want to make it five consecutive league wins, Wayne Girard believes these are the three players they’ll need to look out for…

Franco Vázquez

In his prime at 26 years of age, Vázquez fancy footwork continues to win him new fans every season. Growing up in Córdoba, Argentina, but capped for Italy, Vázquez is most comfortable as trequartista or second-forward. He completed last season with 10 goals and 10 assists, and is on track for another impressive season with four goals and seven assists thus far. He is completing almost four key passes per match, and is fouled at least four times more than any other Palermo player.

Oscar Hiljemark

The young Swedish midfielder has had a strong start to his debut Serie A season. Completing his move to Palermo after winning the 2015 U21 European Championship, Hiljemark has quickly become a staple in the midfield. With four goals and four assists, Roma must be careful of the left-footed midfielder’s key passes into attack.

Alberto Gilardino

The Italian international has scored 241 goals between club and country, and is the third highest active goal scorer in Serie A, only after Antonio Di Natale and Francesco Totti. The 2006/07 Champions League and 2006 World Cup winner is in his first season at Palermo, and has already registered in twenty-two matches, scoring seven goals.With a shot accuracy of 41%, Roma will have to be wary of the former champion and his sharpshooting abilities.