Viewed by many as a serious challenger for the Scudetto, Roma's 2015 thus far has been nothing short of disappointing. Although the Giallorossi are still unbeaten in all competitions, they are still struggling to get moving after a sluggish start to the year that has seen them win just one game--an ugly 1-0 victory over Udinese on January 6th.
Rudi Garcia's men, to be honest, are quite fortunate to be at this stage in the Coppa Italia after a contentious penalty decision denied Empoli from holding on for a draw and pushing the match to penalties. The Azzurri, though, got some sense of satisfaction perhaps as they returned to the Stadio Olimpico and finished with, as has been seen time over time all season, their customary point in hand.
For a team, though, that is battling relegation, these draws are crucial to avoid the drop. However, for a team seeking to dethrone the league's champions, it's more like two points dropped as opposed to a solitary one won.
Garcia is still missing Gervinho, with the pacey attacker still on international duty at this year's AFCON tournament. Additionally, fans will have to wait a bit to see new signing Seydou Doumbia in action. The 27-year-old, who reportedly cost the Giallorossi over 14 million euros and enjoyed both individual and team success with CSKA Moscow is also away with his new club teammate as Les Éléphants prepare to take on Congo in their semi-final clash tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina also concluded January with a draw against Genoa, and more significant, Vincenzo Montella's side will be without the services of Juan Cuadrado as the Colombian star became Chelsea's newest signing yesterday. In his stead arrived Mohamed Salah, who failed to nail down a spot in the Blues' starting XI and now the Egyptian will seek to find regular first-team football in a different league.
The Viola will certainly hope to get the better of their upcoming opponents as last season they made it to the final of this tournament, only to be dispatched by Napoli 3-1. And Roma, as noted before have not looked convincing as of late. Whichever side emerges victorious after 90--or perhaps even more--minutes will be set up for a tough semi-final match with Juventus en route to hopefully making it to the final.
Roma vs Fiorentina team sheets
Roma's lineup: Skorupski, Maicon, Manolas, Astori, Cole, Nainggolan, Paredes, Keita, Ljajic, Totti, Florenzi.
Fiorentina's lineup: Tatarusanu,Tomovic,Savic,Basanta,Joaquin,Kurtic,Pizarro,Borja Valero,Pasqual,Mati Fernandez, Gomez.
Roma's subs: De Sanctis, Marchegiani, YangaMbiwa, Spolli, Calabresi, Torosidis, Holebas, Pjanic, Uçan, Vestenicky, Ibarbo, Verde.
Fiorentina's subs: Rosati,Neto,Richards,Rosi,Badelj,Diamanti,Ilicic,Lazzari,Vargas,Gilardino,Babacar.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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