Roma Vs Athletic Club

Roma’s quest to reestablish themselves on the continental stage kicks off this Thursday evening when they face Athletic Bilbao in their UEFA Europa League opener at Stadio Olimpico. This intriguing clash marks the first time these two sides have met in UEFA competition, and both arrive at the game in contrasting situations: Roma, under new management, seek stability after a turbulent start to their domestic campaign, while Athletic Bilbao rides a wave of confidence following a series of impressive performances in La Liga.

The Italian capital club has endured a rocky start to their 2024-25 Serie A season. With just three points from their first four games, the board acted swiftly, dismissing manager Daniele De Rossi. De Rossi, a club icon, took over from José Mourinho and had steered Roma to the semi-finals of last season’s Europa League, where they were narrowly eliminated by Bayer Leverkusen. However, a sluggish start to the current campaign left the board with little choice but to seek a change, and they appointed Croatian coach Ivan Juric to guide them forward.

The decision to sack De Rossi came as a blow to the club’s fans, many of whom protested Juric's appointment. Despite the initial unrest, Juric has quickly managed to get the team back on track. In his first game in charge, Roma secured their maiden win of the season with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over an in-form Udinese side. Goals from new signing Artem Dovbyk, Tommaso Baldanzi, and the ever-reliable Paulo Dybala sealed the win, giving the Giallorossi a much-needed morale boost ahead of their European campaign.

For Roma, the Europa League has been a competition that has delivered memorable moments in recent years. Just two seasons ago, under Mourinho’s leadership, they lifted the inaugural UEFA Conference League trophy, showcasing their ability to thrive in European competition. Last season’s run to the Europa League semi-finals reaffirmed their standing, and the club will be eager to build on that foundation this year, particularly given their inconsistent domestic form.

In the newly formatted Europa League, where each team will play eight different opponents during the league phase, Roma will aim to establish themselves as serious contenders. Their recent European record speaks volumes: the club has lost just three of their last 18 Europa League matches, winning nine and drawing the remaining six. Moreover, Stadio Olimpico has been a fortress for Roma in European competition, with just one defeat in seven home games last season.

However, Roma’s history against Spanish opposition in Europe is less favorable. They have won only one of their last eight encounters with Spanish sides, a statistic that will provide Athletic Bilbao with hope as they prepare for Thursday’s clash. The Basque club will be the 10th different Spanish team that Roma has faced in UEFA competition, and Juric will be acutely aware of the challenge that Athletic pose.

In stark contrast to Roma’s recent European exploits, Athletic Bilbao have been absent from continental competition since 2018. That year, they were eliminated in the last 16 of the Europa League by French side Marseille, and their European campaign ended on a sour note with three consecutive defeats. Six years later, Athletic are determined to make a strong return to the international stage and avoid a historic fourth consecutive loss in European competition.

Under the experienced guidance of Ernesto Valverde, Athletic have enjoyed a resurgence in Spanish football. Last season, the club finished fifth in La Liga and claimed the Copa del Rey title, a triumph that secured their return to the Europa League. Valverde, a former Barcelona manager, has imbued his side with a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair, qualities that have been on full display in their recent domestic outings.

Athletic enter Thursday’s game on the back of three successive victories in La Liga, a run that has propelled them into third place in the standings. Their latest win came against Celta Vigo, where a brace from Gorka Guruzeta and Alvaro Djalo’s first goal in Spanish football secured a 3-0 victory. This impressive form has boosted confidence within the squad, and Athletic will travel to Rome with the belief that they can extend their winning streak.

Despite their strong domestic form, Athletic’s record in Italy leaves much to be desired. In nine previous visits to the country, the Basque side has managed just one win, a result that dates back to 1997. This statistic will serve as motivation for Valverde’s men, who will be keen to rewrite the club’s history and start their Europa League campaign on a positive note.

Athletic’s ambitions this season are clear. Having reestablished themselves as one of Spain’s top teams, they now have their sights set on a deep run in Europe. Valverde’s tactical nous, combined with the club’s rich footballing tradition, makes Athletic a formidable opponent for any team in the competition. Their mix of experienced players and young talents, including the likes of Guruzeta and Djalo, gives them the tools to compete on multiple fronts this season.

The matchup between Roma and Athletic Bilbao promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Ivan Juric’s Roma side is known for its structured defensive approach, a hallmark of the Croatian manager’s teams. Juric favors a back-three system, with wing-backs providing width and defensive solidity. This formation allows Roma to remain compact at the back while also giving freedom to their attacking players, such as Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk, to express themselves in the final third.

Dybala, in particular, will be a key figure for Roma. The Argentine forward has been in excellent form since joining the club, and his creativity and eye for goal make him a constant threat. Alongside him, Dovbyk, who arrived from Dnipro-1, has already made an impact with his goal against Udinese. The Ukrainian striker brings physicality and aerial prowess to Roma’s attack, qualities that could prove vital in breaking down Athletic’s defense.

In midfield, Roma will rely on the industriousness of Bryan Cristante and the technical ability of Houssem Aouar to control the game. Aouar, a summer signing from Lyon, has the vision and passing range to unlock opposition defenses, and his partnership with Cristante will be crucial in dictating the tempo of the match.

Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, will look to exploit Roma’s vulnerabilities with their direct and high-energy style of play. Valverde’s side is known for its pressing game, with the forwards and midfielders working tirelessly to win the ball back high up the pitch. This approach has paid dividends in La Liga, where Athletic have been able to suffocate their opponents and create chances from turnovers.

Gorka Guruzeta will be Athletic’s primary attacking threat. The Spanish forward has been in sensational form, scoring a brace against Celta Vigo to take his tally for the season to four goals. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing make him a constant danger in and around the penalty area. Alongside him, Inaki Williams provides pace and power, and the Ghanaian international’s ability to stretch defenses with his runs in behind could cause problems for Roma’s backline.

In midfield, Athletic will rely on the experienced duo of Dani García and Mikel Vesga to provide stability and protect the defense. García, in particular, is a combative presence who excels at breaking up play, while Vesga offers a more creative outlet with his passing ability. Together, they will be tasked with disrupting Roma’s build-up play and launching counter-attacks when the opportunity arises.

At the back, Athletic’s defense will be marshaled by veteran center-back Yeray Álvarez. Álvarez’s leadership and aerial dominance make him a key figure in Valverde’s setup, and he will need to be at his best to keep Roma’s attacking players at bay.

Both Roma and Athletic Bilbao will view this opening match as a crucial opportunity to gain an early advantage in what promises to be a competitive Europa League group stage. For Roma, the Europa League offers a chance to salvage what has been a difficult start to the season domestically. Ivan Juric will be keen to build on the momentum from their victory over Udinese and guide his side to a strong performance on the European stage.

Athletic, on the other hand, are eager to announce their return to European football with a statement result. Ernesto Valverde’s men have been in scintillating form, and a win in Rome would further solidify their status as one of Spain’s most in-form teams.

As the two sides prepare to meet at Stadio Olimpico, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter. Roma, with their rich European pedigree, will look to draw on their experience, while Athletic Bilbao, buoyed by their recent success, will aim to make a triumphant return to the continent’s second-tier competition.