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Roma vs Palermo: Preview and Prediction

Roma vs Palermo
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 23 October 2016
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Stadio Olimpico (Rome).

Roma will have to quickly put aside a shocking result as they resume domestic duties with a clash against Palermo this Sunday.

From a neutral perspective, the Roma vs. Austria Wien Europa League tie was a thriller from start to finish. But if one is a Giallorossi fan, one surely is still grinding the teeth in frustration. It looked as if Francesco Totti’s 100th European appearance would end on a high note after his two assists had helped the team into a 3-1 lead.

Somehow, Luciano Spalletti’s side managed to fumble this, allowing the Austrians to score two in the last moments of the game. Still, a draw is surely better than a loss. And domestically, Roma have done well, namely dispatching Napoli 3-1 to move into second place at the end of round eight.

Edin Dzeko is one player who has impressed, as it was his brace that downed the Partenopei. The big Bosnian will likely lead the line from the start after coming on as a late sub during Roma’s European fixture on Thursday. Along with the speed of Mohamed Salah and Stephan El Shaarawy, Roma surely will have a field day against Palermo’s porous back-line that shipped four goals against Torino in the last round.

Palermo’s misery does not appear to be over anytime soon. They still have only won once this season and are only propped up by Crotone, who has earned one point thus far. There have been some bright spots for the Sicilians, namely Ilija Nestorovski, and the team will be counting heavily on him – if he recovers from an ankle injury in time –
to produce if they want to get anything out of this game.

Roma vs Palermo Head-to-head statistics

Roma have won their past seven Serie A home games and are unbeaten overall in 16.
The Giallorossi have won eight out of their last ten home games against Palermo across all competitions.
Palermo’s five goals make them the second-worst performing side so far this season.
The Rosanero have won three in their past 10 meetings with Roma, whilst losing the other seven (no draws).
Roma have scored in all their past 11 games where they hosted the Rosanero.
Mohamed Salah and Edin Dzeko have been directly responsible for seven out of Roma’s past nine goals.

Roma vs Palermo: Prediction

Despite their disappointing Europa League draw, Roma have been quite strong this season. Beating Napoli 3-1 surely will do wonders for their confidence, and they will have no problems cruising to a relatively easy three points to keep up the pressure on Juventus. However, their tendency to lose focus could get them into a spot of trouble against a Palermo side who are already in a daunting battle just to stay afloat.