Yaya Touré, coach of Slovan Bratislava, takes on Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma on Tuesday at the Stadio Olimpico, with the Italians having picked up just one point from their first two Champions League games. Ivorian defender Evan Ndicka is expected to start.
Matchday three of the Champions League league phase takes place on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico, where Roma host Slovan Bratislava. The Slovak club is managed by Ivorian coach Yaya Touré, a legend of his country’s football, who according to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia would become the first African coach in a Champions League main-phase dugout.
Opposite him, Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has just one point after two matchdays: a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahçe, then a 3-4 defeat to Real Madrid, despite his side leading 3-1 until the 83rd minute. Ivorian international Evan Ndicka, Roma’s centre-back, is expected to start in the back three, according to TipsGG.
A pivotal week for Roma
Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon at Trigoria. He acknowledged that Roma needed to win on Tuesday to revive their qualification hopes, and warned his players against underestimating the opposition.
The schedule allows no respite: on Saturday evening, Roma travel to Naples for a Serie A match, just four days after hosting Slovan.
A Slovan side organised by Yaya Touré
Gasperini described Slovan as a very dynamic and athletic team, who also have some excellent players, while suggesting they are not among the best teams in the Champions League. He stressed that every match in the competition is difficult.
Their coach regularly sets his team up in a 4-1-4-1 tactical system, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. An organisation Roma will have to contain if they hope to take points at home.
Ndicka and Dybala, Roma’s uncertainties
On the Ivorian front, Evan Ndicka’s place in the starting XI is yet to be confirmed: TipsGG only speaks of an expected start.
In attack, Gasperini announced that Paulo Dybala remains sidelined. An MRI revealed a minor lesion that will extend his recovery by around two more weeks, according to the Roma coach.
Kick-off is set for Tuesday at 21:00 at the Stadio Olimpico.