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| Who might Roma |
As the dust settles on the 2023/24 Europa League group stage, speculation turns to
the upcoming qualifying rounds. For AS Roma, who narrowly missed out on
Champions League football but remain hungry for European glory, the question on
everyone's mind is: who will they face in their quest for continental silverware?
The Seeding Shuffle :
Roma's position in the qualifiers depends on their final league ranking. While it's
still early days in Serie A, they currently sit comfortably within the Europa League
qualification zone. If this position holds, they'll be placed in Pot 1 for the playoff
round draw, which takes place on February 24th, 2024.
Pot 1 Perils :
Being in Pot 1 offers some advantages. Roma are guaranteed to avoid the trickiest
opponents and will play the second leg at home. However, Pot 1 also boasts some
heavyweight contenders:
Villarreal: The Europa League specialists, fresh off their 2023 triumph, will be eager
to defend their crown.
Bayer Leverkusen: A young, dynamic German side known for their attacking
prowess.
Sporting CP: A Portuguese powerhouse with a passionate fanbase and European
ambitions.
Rennes: A rising French force, capable of upsets and boasting Ligue 1's top scorer in
Gaëtan Laborde.
Beyond Pot 1 :
Roma could also face challenges from Pot 2, which will feature strong teams like:
West Ham United: Premier League firepower with Michail Antonio and Declan Rice
leading the charge.
Brighton & Hove Albion: An exciting English upstart playing in Europe for the first
time.
Atalanta: A Serie A rival is known for their attacking tactics and Champions League
experience.
The Wildcard Factor :
The remaining two spots in Pot 2 will be filled by Champions League dropouts.
Depending on the results of the Champions League group stage, Roma could face
even bigger names like Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, or even Ajax Amsterdam.
Roma's Strategy :
With such a diverse range of potential opponents, predicting Roma's path through
the qualifiers is a complex game. However, their strong squad, European
experience, and home advantage in the second leg give them a solid foundation.
Coach José Mourinho, known for his tactical acumen and adaptability, will be key
in preparing the Giallorossi for any challenge that awaits them.
The Verdict :
While the Europa League qualifiers are always a cauldron of uncertainty, one thing
is clear: Roma's journey to European glory won't be easy. They'll face tough battles
against ambitious clubs with varied playing styles. But with their talent,
experience, and Mourinho at the helm, Roma has all the ingredients to navigate
the qualifiers and make a serious push for Europa League glory in 2024.
So, mark your calendars, Romanisti! The February 24th draw will be the first step on
a thrilling European adventure. Keep your scarves close, and prepare to roar your
support as Roma embarks on their quest for continental silverware!
