Five Roma Stars Pursue Dream of First World Cup in Playoff Finals
Ninety minutes, added time and possibly penalties will decide World Cup hopes in the playoff finals. Five Roma stars are set to pursue their dream of a first World Cup in these decisive fixtures.
Stage and stakes
Italy will face Bosnia in Zenica at the Stadion “Bilino Polje”. The match carries huge weight for Italian football. The Azzurri missed the tournament twice in the past twelve years.
Key Roma figures for Italy
Gianluca Mancini is expected to push for a starting role. He impressed in the semifinal against Northern Ireland.
Bryan Cristante and Edoardo Pisilli are set to begin on the bench. Both have a good chance to enter as substitutes.
Edin Džeko, a former Roma striker, leads Bosnia. At 40 years old, he aims to return after playing in 2014.
Other Roma players in playoff action
Celik is part of Turkey’s squad for the game in Kosovo under coach Vincenzo Montella. He recovered from a recent calf complaint and is likely to be a substitute.
Ziólkowski is in Poland’s group for the trip to Sweden. Manager Urban sees him more as a player for the second half.
Personal milestones at stake
None of these five players have yet appeared at a World Cup. Qualification would mark a first major international tournament for all.
Roma internationals already set for the tournament
Several Roma players have likely secured their World Cup places. Koné, Wesley, Ndicka, Malen and El Aynaoui are expected to be called up, barring surprises.
Ndicka will play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s ground, against Scotland. Malen and El Aynaoui appear in friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay respectively.
Fitness and selection doubts
A French and a Brazilian Roma player are sidelined with injuries. Their absences reduce squad options for their nations.
Ángel Soulé and Paulo Dybala face tough competition in Argentina. Their inclusion in the final squad is uncertain despite the nation’s qualification.
Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor the playoff finals and Roma players’ prospects for the World Cup.
