AS Roma - Hellas Verona FC predictions and free betting tips [20/01/2024]

On Saturday, 20th January, in the framework of the 21st round of the Italian Serie A, Roma will host Verona. Last week's defeat against Milan was the last straw for Roma's ownership - Jose Mourinho was dismissed, and now the team from the capital will be managed by Daniele De Rossi.

Projected Line-ups

Roma: Patricio; Huijsen, Llorente, Kristensen; Celik, Pellegrini, Paredes, Spinazzola; Dybala; Belotti, Lukaku.
Verona: Montipo; Tchatchoua, Dawidowicz, Magnani, Amione; Serdar, Folorunsho; Mboula, Suslov, Saponara; Djuric.

Stadium

The match will be played in Rome at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma

In the first half of the season, Roma has not been impressive and currently sits in 9th place in the Serie A standings. However, they're just 5 points off 4th place, therefore a European competition spot is still within reach. Of their last six rounds, Roma have only clinched one victory, drawn twice and lost thrice. After being knocked out by Lazio in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia (1:0), Roma lost to Milan at the San Siro last weekend (3:1).

These setbacks led to the dismissal of Jose Mourinho with club legend Daniele De Rossi set to stay on the sidelines, at least until the end of the season. At the Stadio Olimpico, the home side has nabbed 21 points out of a possible 30 in the current campaign and hasn’t tasted defeat since September. It's worth noting that Roma finished second in their Europa League group and will face Feyenoord in the knockout stage. 

Verona

Like last season, Verona again faces a battle for survival. The team, managed by Marco Baroni, sits 18th in the Serie A league table and is one point away from the relegation safe zone. In recent weeks the guests have perked up a bit, with two wins and two losses. After suffering defeats to Salernitana (0:1) and Inter (1:2), the White-Yellows showed resilience last weekend, overcoming bottom-table rival Empoli (2:1) thanks to goals from Milan Djuric.

On the road, Verona has drawn twice, lost seven times and claimed one victory in the current Serie A campaign: the team is now aiming to end a nine-match winless run away from home. The Mastiffs have struggled in attack: in 20 rounds, they have scored just 18 goals (third worst in the league), conceding 27. 

Head-to-Head

Verona lost 20 of their last 26 away meetings against Roma, with all the rest ending in a draw. However, a 2:1 victory at the Stadio Bentegodi in August allows the visiting side’s supporters to believe in success this Saturday too.

Match Prediction Roma vs Verona

Both teams are not in the best emotional state at this stage of the season, but the dismissal of Jose Mourinho should invigorate Roma's players. Roma has been very respectable at home in the current campaign, while Verona, by contrast, has only collected 5 points in 10 away matches. My prediction is a victory for the favourite with a -1 handicap.

Prediction on Total

With Dybala back in form, and Lukaku and Belotti still fit - even despite Azmoun's departure to the Asian Cup - Roma can boast a quality choice in attack. I expect the home team to score at least 2 goals.

Prediction on Corner

Roma, under the roar of the home crowd, will take possession and begin to besiege the Mastiffs' goal from the first minute. The hosts will win all the key indicators, including corners (-1.5 handicap).

Prediction on Yellow Cards

A draw would suit Verona from a strategic point of view, which means the guests will try to break down the opponent's attacks with fouls and should win the count of yellow cards.

Score Prediction

I'll place my bet on a precise score of 2:0 in favour of Roma.