How SPAL stifled new-look Roma

Claudio Ranieri faced his first defeat since returning to Roma, losing 2-1 away to struggling SPAL in Serie A. It was a vital win for the Ferrara-based club as for the second consecutive season they aim to avoid relegation.

This victory marked another impressive tactical display from SPAL boss Leonardo Semplici, who has now done the double over the Rome side. The Biancazzurri earned a 2-0 win over what was then Eusebio Di Francesco’s team back in October 2018.

It was a particularly uninspired display from the side from the capital, and saw them fall further behind in the race for the third and fourth Champions League spots.

Lineups

Despite experimenting with a 4-4-2 in recent weeks, Leonardo Semplici set his team out in their usual 3-5-2. In the first half in particular, Manuel Lazzari and Mohamed Fares got into very advanced positions and operated more as wingers than wing-backs. Strikers Mirko Antenucci and Andrea Petagna played a deeper role, however. Both forwards positioned themselves very close to the midfielders, providing extra numbers in both defensive and attacking situations.

As was expected, Claudio Ranieri sent Roma out in his preferred 4-4-2 formation now that he had Eden Dzeko now back from suspension. With Alessandro Florenzi suspended after being sent off in Monday’s win over Empoli, Dutch full-back Rick Karsdorp started on the right. Centre-back Juan Jesus moved to left-back as Federico Fazio returned to the centre of defence after a one-game suspension.