Chievo v Roma: 3 Opposition players to watch

Rudi Garcia’s side will be determined to begin 2016 in the same way they ended 2015 – with a win – but Wayne Girard believes the Giallorossi will need to look out for these three…

RICCARDO MEGGIORINI

The 30-year-old centre-forward is already on track for the most productive season of his career, with four goals and six assists thus far. Chievo have leaned heavily on his presence in the frontline – handing him 12 starts and four substitutions. He averages three and a half aerial duels a game, with over two fouls against and committed per match - evidence of his physical presence and the difficulty he poses for any defence.

VALTER BIRSA

The Slovenian midfielder has made 17 appearances so far this season, with 14 of them as starts in the trequartista role. With three goals and four assists this season, Birsa is strong on the counter-attack and is equally likely to to take an early shot from distance as he is to dribble or try and provide the key pass. Birsa will be look to continue 2016 in the same form he ended last year in.

MASSIMO GOBBI

Gobbi’s performances do not reflect his age of 35 years; he has registered over two tackles, two clearances and almost three interceptions per match this season. Although capable of playing any spot in the defensive zone, all of Gobbi’s 16 starts in Serie A have been at Chievo’s left-back spot. A conservative defender, Gobbi rarely gives in to rash tackles and prefers to play the short pass.