Preseason friendlies: Borussia Dortmund vs. Roma—probable lineups
Borussia Dortmund and Roma take the field at 5:30 p.m. at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund for their final preseason friendly. This is an important test for Gasperini’s team with one week to go before the start of the league season: in their most recent away matches, the Giallorossi have been a major disappointment against Cardiff and Brighton, conceding a total of seven goals. The Gialloneri, on the other hand, are coming off a convincing victory over Arsenal a week ago.
The hosts will field Silva up front with Karetas and Inacio in the attacking midfield. In midfield, Bellingham and Nmecha will play, with Beier and Svensson covering the wings.
Gasperini wants to field the best possible lineup ahead of the league season. Malen will be the center forward with Dybala and Soulé behind him. In midfield, Cristante will partner with El Aynaoui, while new signing Molina and Wesley will play on the wings. A three-man defense featuring Mancini, N’Dicka, and Hermoso will sit in front of Svilar.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Roma: Probable Lineups
BORUSSIA DORTMUND (3-4-2-1): Meyer; Gadou, Mane, Bensebaini; Svensson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Beier; Karetsas, Inacio; Silva. Coach: Kovac
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar, Mancini, N’Dicka, Hermoso; Molina, Cristante, El Aynaoui, Wesley; Dybala, Soulé, Malen. Head Coach: Gasperini
On the transfer front, Roma heads into this match with its roster still a work in progress. Gasperini has made no secret of his impatience in recent weeks: “It’s clear that, from here on out, I expect something to happen. Several players have left, and the team definitely needs to be rounded out—anyone can see that. Having at least two players per position is essential for any team competing in cup competitions. Those who don’t do so end up paying a heavy price.”
The major target still up in the air is Rodrigo Mora. Roma has presented Porto with an offer structured as an 8-million-euro loan with an option to buy for 40 million, but the Portuguese club continues to demand terms that would make the permanent signing of the 2007-born talent virtually automatic—a formula the Giallorossi have no intention of accepting. Jorge Mendes is working to find a compromise between the parties, but without concrete concessions from Porto, Roma’s management is ready to shift its focus to the alternative represented by Malick Fofana. Another hot name is Luis Henrique, who is about to leave Inter.
