Europe Conference League Final, 25.May
- Thread starter spkutano
- Start date
Roma vs Feyenoord Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Roma:
Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Cristante, Oliveira, Zalewski; Pellegrini, Zaniolo; Abraham
Feyenoord:
Marciano; Geertruida, Trauner, Senesi, Malacia; Aursnes, Kokcu; Nelson, Til, Sinisterra; Dessers
The 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League Final will be played at the Arena Kombetare in Tirana, Albania, between Serie A side Roma and Dutch club Feyenoord. I expect a big tactical battle between two coaches - Jose Mourinho and Arne Slot. Having won the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League twice, Mourinho has a unique chance to clinch a third major UEFA club competition trophy. At the same time, this will be a chance for Roma to take their first major continental trophy. Roma lost out to Serie A rivals Inter in their UEFA Cup final in 1991. Feyenoord, meanwhile, could become the first club to have lifted all three of Europe's current trophies. They have won one European Champions Cup in 1969-70 season, and two UEFA Cups, in 1973-74 and 2001-02. It is clear the motivation will be at highest level in both squads. It is hard to predict the winners.
Roma finished as first in their group that also consisted Norwegian side Bodo Glimt, Zorya from Ukraine and CSKA Sofia from Bulgaria, despite a shock 6:1 drubbing in the Arctic Circle, at the hands of Bodo. Interesting, exactly Bodo were the opponents in the quarter-finals. This time the Giallorossi showed their class and won 5:2 on aggregate. In the semi-finals Roma have overcame Leicester City. The first match in England finished 1:1, while Mourinho's men won 1:0 the reverse fixture thanks to Tammy Abraham's goal. The former Chelsea striker played an excellent season and become the first Englishman to score 17 goals in a single Serie A season, beating a Gerry Hitchens record of 16 goals for Inter in 1961-62. Abraham, who has netted 26 times in 51 appearances across all competitions, should lead the line. Most of the players are ready, including Leonardo Spinazzola who has recovered from severe knee injury, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains out injured.
Feyenoord are playing a great season in the Conference League. They finished first in the group, ahead of Maccabi Haifa, Union Berlin and Slavia Prague. Winning four and drawing the remaining two, the Dutch outfit showed their quality, but not only in the group stage. Arne Slot's men are unbeaten in the knock-out stage too, having eliminate Partizan from Serbia, rivals from the group Slavia Prague and French side Marseille. Cyriel Dessers is the key player in the team and top scorer in the competition with 10 goals. Most probably his price will go to the sky after the final, particularly if he find the back of the net. The 28-year-old Nigeria international is part of Belgian side Genk, and he was loaned to Feyenoord. Luis Sinisterra should also be mentioned due to his tally of six goals in the competition. The Colombian winger is enjoying his best season and he is able to make a difference in the final. Slot has almost all players available, only the goalkeeper Justin Bijlow remain injured.
Roma vs Feyenoord Prediction:
As I wrote above, it is hard to predict the winners. This match represent the last chance for silverware for both teams. Roma have Abraham and Zaniolo in attack, they are both excellent strikers. On the other side Feyenoord have Dessers and Sinisterra, two very fast and talented players. The main battle could be the one between the midfielders. But I think something else will make the difference in the final - the coaching factor. Jose Mourinho is more experienced coach and much better tactician. But there could be more. Roma have Marash Kumbula, who was born in Italy to an Albanian family. Apart from the Feyenoord fans who will rightly support their team, Roma will have the remaining three quarters on their side. This fact should not be underestimated.
Roma vs Feyenoord Pick: Roma to win @ 2.39 with Pinnacle