AS Roma have made six changes to their starting XI for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League league-phase match against Slovan Bratislava, with Donyell Malen returning to lead the attack and Daniele Ghilardi brought into the defence.
Gian Piero Gasperini has altered his side from the team that faced Genoa in Serie A. Ghilardi is the most notable change at the back, joining Leonardo Balerdi and Mario Hermoso in a three-man defensive line in front of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
Nahuel Molina, Marten de Roon, Niccolo Pisilli and Wesley Franca make up the midfield. Rodrigo Mora and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini will operate behind Malen as Roma look to build their attacking play around the former Borussia Dortmund forward.
Matias Soule, who has impressed in his recent appearances, starts on the bench. Gasperini has opted to rest the Argentine for this European fixture.
Slovan Bratislava have also confirmed their line-up for a difficult assignment in Rome. Yaya Toure’s side will rely on Gambia international Suleiman Camara, Marcelli and Tigran Barseghyan in attack.
Pokorny, Ibrahim and Gajdos are selected in midfield, while Sandro Cruz, Markovic, Bajric and Blackman form the defensive line. Dominik Takac starts in goal.
The Slovakian club have lost both of their opening European matches and will now attempt to frustrate Roma and claim a positive result at the Stadio Olimpico. For Toure, the encounter represents another major test against an Italian side determined to begin its European campaign strongly.
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 GMT in Rome.
Roma: Gollini – Ghilardi, Balerdi, Hermoso – Molina, De Roon, Pisilli, Wesley Franca – Rodrigo Mora, Pellegrini – Malen.
Slovan Bratislava: Takac – Sandro Cruz, Markovic, Bajric, Blackman – Pokorny, Ibrahim, Gajdos – Suleiman Camara, Marcelli, Barseghyan.