Stat Attack: Facts to know ahead of SPAL visit

The record reads even

Perhaps surprising – considering SPAL’s stature – the direct record between these two sides is actually pretty even. Roma have won 13 meetings, SPAL have won 12 – and nine have been drawn.

The struggles of last season

SPAL were the only side to beat Roma both home and away last season; 2-0 at the Olimpico and 2-1 in Ferrara.

Pellegrini’s memorable moment

Lorenzo Pellegrini scored his first goal for Roma against SPAL, back in December 2017 at the Stadio Olimpico.

The record against Semplici

SPAL coach Leonardo Semplici has come up against Roma four times, all of them in the last two seasons: two wins last term, but two defeats in 2017-18.

Record scorers in this fixture

You have to go back in time to find the Roma players with the most goals against SPAL for the club: Alcides Ghiggia and Istvan Nyers sit top of those standings with three.

Dzeko milestone…

Having joined the club in the summer of 2015, if he plays a part against SPAL Edin Dzeko will make his 200th appearance for the Giallorossi.

… and Fazio too

Federico Fazio will also make appearance No. 150 for the club should he play on Sunday. The Argentine joined a year after Dzeko, in 2016.

Improving at home

After starting with one win, two draws and a defeat in the first four home games at the Olimpico, Roma have since gone on to win each of their last three matches at home.

And defensively better

In the last 10 league games, Roma have conceded just six goals (an average of 0.6 a game). In the first five matches, that average was at 1.8.

Headache for the visitors

SPAL have scored nine goals so far this season in the league – yet none of them have come from headers. Last season they scored 18 headers – more than any other side.