Ghisolfi: ‘Roma must be intelligent , Dovbyk injury not serious’ ahead of 2nd leg clash

epa11894389 Roma’s Zeki Celik (R) celebrates with Tommaso Baldanzi after scoring the 0-1 goal during the UEFA Europa League soccer match between FC Porto and AS Roma, in Porto, Portugal, 13 February 2025. EPA-EFE/FERNANDO VELUDO

Roma director Florent Ghisolfi gives an important injury update on Artem Dovbyk, who misses the Europa League play-off against FC Porto. ‘We must be intelligent and keep the intensity up.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The tie is wide open after the controversial 1-1 result in the first leg, where the Giallorossi were furious at referee Tobias Stieler for flinging cards around, including two yellows for Bryan Cristante.

The midfielder is therefore suspended this evening along with Alexis Saelemaekers, while Artem Dovbyk sustained an adductor issue in training and is out of action, plus Lucas Gourna-Douath and Anass Salah-Eddine not on the UEFA list.

“I don’t know exactly how long he’ll be out, but it doesn’t seem to be serious. Fortunately, we have Shomurodov, who works hard for the team and is ready to give his all,” Ghisolfi told Sky Sport Italia.

Once again, despite the assumption he would return to the starting XI, Mats Hummels is on the bench for the fifth time in the last six competitive games.

Roma reassured by referee after first leg controversy

Claudio Ranieri was uncharacteristically furious with the referee following the first leg, but seemed more pleased with the appointment of Francois Letexier.

“I know this referee well, he is the best official in France and reliable, despite being quite young. The first leg is in the past, we are more reassured with this referee,” added Ghisolfi.

The play-offs have been disastrous so far for Italian teams, as Juventus, Milan and Atalanta all crashed out of the Champions League, so did that put Roma even more on edge?

“We must be intelligent. We realise the importance of the fixture and the difficulties, having seen Juventus, Atalanta and Milan, so as Mancini said we need to find the right level of tension, concentration and intensity. We must use the connection with the crowd at the Stadio Olimpico to keep that intensity up throughout the evening.”

Roma patron Ryan Friedkin is going to be in the stands of the Stadio Olimpico this evening, although the family has been rather distracted since also completing the takeover of Premier League side Everton.