The MLS All-Stars face Italian Serie AS Roma at Sporting Park for the 2013 MLS All-Star Game. Roma is one of the most accomplished sides in Italy with nine Coppa Italias and tied for second all-time with 81 seasons in Serie A.
Team News
There are a few injuries for AS Roma including Pablo Osvaldo and Mattia Destro. Outside of those two players, Roma will be close to full strength for tonight's match. Since it is early in preseason, there will likely be several changes at halftime with no players expected to play the entire match.
Recent Form/Results
AS Roma are in their preseason and mainly looking to get their fitness for the start of the 2013-14 season. While it is a friendly, this is an opportunity for some of the youngers player to prove themselves and make a case for more playing time for this upcoming season. Roma's issues last season were primarily on the defensive side of the ball but new manager Rudi Garcia has used an attack minded 4-3-3 formation in preseason.
Key Players
Francesco Totti - The club's all-time leading scorer who is Roma's most dangerous attacking player
Michael Bradley - A box-to-box midfielder who has quickly established himself as a regular starter
Daniele de Rossi - A versatile midfielder who can provide defensive cover and join the attack as well
Recent Lineups
<strong>vs Bursaspor (July 21)</strong> |
<b>vs Aris FC (July 26)</b> |
Lobont (46' Skorupski); Torosidis (46' Dodò), Burdisso (63' Castan), Castan (35' Benatia), Balzaretti (63' Crescenzi); Bradley (63' Taddei), Jedvaj (46' Marquinho), Pjanic; Lamela (63' F. Ricci), Osvaldo (63' Tallo), Totti (63' Borriello). |
Skorupski; Torosidis (62' Jedvaj), Benatia (62' Burdisso), Castan (46' Romagnoli), Dodò (62' Balzaretti); Pjanic (46' Bradley), Strootman (62' Verre), Marquinho (62' Taddei); Caprari (46' Tallo), Borriello (62' Osvaldo), Lamela (46' Totti) |
