Roma-Braga, Ranieri relies on Dovbyk’s desire for redemption

To date, only five goals in as many competitions

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Today, at the Olimpico, è Roma-Braga (6:45 p.m.), valid for the sixth day of the Europa League regular season, is scheduled. The Giallorossi currently have six points in the standings and are at risk of being cut. They need a win to relaunch themselves and put themselves, comfortably, back in the play-off zone.

The problem of Ranieri’s team è the goal. In five Europa League games, only five goals have come (as many conceded). Too few for a Roma team that, offensively, has at its disposal many strikers of great quality. One out of all of them? Dovbyk. The 27-year-old Ukrainian striker is going through a very difficult time.

In fact, he has not scored in almost a month and a half. His last goal è came last Nov. 3 against Hellas Verona. Dovbyk needs to get unblocked to prove he can be the Giallorossi's point man in the attack (he has scored six goals so far this season). With Braga he will have to make himself ready. Ranieri has great confidence in his means and will deploy him, again, as a starter.

The help of his teammates will be important. Lately the former Girona center forward è often isolated in attack. He receives few balls and does not have great opportunities to hurt opponents. Ranieri is studying ways to put players who can operate him alongside him (against Braga, Dybala and Saelemaekers should be there). Then it will be his turn to be cool and polished under goal.