Prediction: Verona vs Roma

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to grab their first Serie A victory at the second attempt on Saturday night, Roma will travel to the Marcantonio Bentegodi when they meet Verona.

Verona

Starting with the hosts, only just clinging to their Serie A status last season and showing a string of domestic issues, Verona are simply hoping to find some much-needed stability this time around. Although some might still feel that Marco Baroni’s men will be at the heart of another relegation scrap this time around, the Mastiffs certainly opened up the 2023/24 campaign with a rugged performance on the road. Eventually snatching a late 1-0 win away at Empoli, there is no doubt that the Veneto-based outfit will be dreaming of the chance to spring a major upset here. However, facing what could be a real test when the Giallorossi arrive at the Marcantonio Bentegodi on Saturday night, Verona did gain a reputation for their struggles on home soil last season. Including a woeful 6-0 drumming at the hands of Inter Milan on May 3rd, it should be highlighted that Baroni’s side won just a pair of their final eight Serie A battles in front of their own supporters.

Team News

All missing out away at Empoli last weekend, Verona will once again be without the trio to Thomas Henry, Ajdin Hrustic and Darko Lazovic. However, forced to serve a one-match suspension and missing the season-opener, 24-year-old Isak Hien could make a full return on Saturday night.

Coming off the bench and bagging that late winner on his Verona debut last weekend, one-time Sampdoria striker Federico Bonazzoli will be hoping to make a first start here.

Roma

As for the visitors, suffering Europa League final heartbreak at the hands of Sevilla back on May 31st, many were wondering if Roma would show any signs of a hangover this time around. Making it no secret that they have their sights set on mounting a top-four return this time around, Jose Mourinho’s men are seeking some stability on either side of the summer interval. Opening the 2023/24 campaign with an action-packed 2-2 draw at home against Salernitana, the former Manchester United boss has found some mild pressure on his shoulders. In fact, continuing on from last season, the Italian heavyweights have remarkably won just one of their previous nine Serie A appearances – a run that stems back to April 16th. However, clinching back-to-back top-flight victories against Verona last season, Mourinho’s side will certainly be desperate to open their account at the second attempt when they travel to the Marcantonio Bentegodi on Saturday night.

Team News

Dealing with a long-term knee injury that he picked up over the summer, Roma will once again be without attacking talisman and England international Tammy Abraham here. However, 29-year-old Paulo Dybala looks set to make a full return after serving a one-match suspension last weekend.

Bagging both strikes against Salernitana last week and building on his eye-catching pre-season flurry, former Torino striker Andrea Belotti will spearhead Mourinho’s attack on Saturday night.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on February 19th, Roma landed a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
• Likewise, Mourinho’s side also claimed a 3-1 win when they travelled to the Marcantonio Bentegodi 10 months ago.
• However, including a 2-2 stalemate against Salernitana last weekend, Roma have won just one of their last nine Serie A appearances continuing on from last season.
• Verona won just a pair of their final eight Serie A showdowns in front of their own supporters last season.
• 10 of the last 11 meetings between Saturday’s opponents at the Marcantonio Bentegodi have finished with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

Eventually having to settle for a lively 2-2 draw at home against Salernitana last weekend, Roma will know the importance of claiming an immediate boost here. Showing a string of domestic issues last season and now winning just one of their last nine straight Serie A outings, Mourinho’s men could have plenty of pressure on their shoulders. It should be highlighted, with 10 of their last 11 meetings at the Marcantonio Bentegodi finish with over 1.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome on Saturday night.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet