Roma vs Cremonese

Stadio Olimpico forms the backdrop for a revenge-poised Coppa Italia last-16 tie between Roma and Cremonese.

Roma had the worst possible end to 2023, losing further ground on the Serie A top four with a gut-wrenching 1-0 defeat at Juventus. Jose Mourinho’s side looked toothless in Turin and must make amends after falling five points behind fourth-placed Fiorentina. Coppa Italia action could be a welcoming distraction for ‘I Giallorossi’ as they bid for a fresh start following a frustrating run of alternating between winning (2) and losing (2) in their last four games at the tail-end of 2023. The impending Olimpico return bodes perfectly. Mourinho’s men have been nothing short of impressive at home, winning nine of their last ten matches (D1). Seven of those nine victories came ‘to nil,’ which had been the case in back-to-back home league H2Hs before Cremonese stunned Roma 2-1 in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals last season.

On the other hand, Cremonese’s short-term stay in the Italian top flight ended poorly as they suffered relegation as the division’s basement boys in 2022/23. But they’re only three points off the automatic promotion spot in Serie B despite losing twice in their last three league outings (W1). Cremonese closed out 2023 as Serie B entertainers, with their two league matches toward the end of the previous calendar year featuring over 3.5 goals. But after drawing a blank on two of their last three competitive travels, Giovanni Stroppa’s side will crave a less prolific contest. Despite heading into this encounter as pre-match outsiders, Cremonese will fancy their chances, buoyed by a brace of 2-1 H2H wins last season.