Roma is set to begin their 2024-25 campaign with a friendly against Slovakian team FK Kosice on Monday evening.
This match is crucial for both teams AS Roma prepares for their Serie A season starting on August 18, and Kosice wraps up their pre-season ahead of their Super Liga campaign.
Roma’s Form and Transfers
Roma finished the 2023-24 Serie A season in sixth place, securing a spot in the Europa League group stage.
Under the management of Daniele De Rossi, Roma aims to push for a top-four finish in the upcoming season.
This pre-season includes friendlies against Kosice, Olympiacos, Coventry City, and Everton.
Roma has been active in the transfer market with key signings:
Enzo Le Fee from Rennes, Angelino from RB Leipzig after a successful loan, Mathew Ryan, boosting the goalkeeping department. Notable departures so far in this transfer window include Romelu Lukaku, Houssem Aouar, and Andrea Belotti.
FK Kosice’s Pre-season and Transfers
FK Kosice concluded their 2023-24 season in May, finishing 10th in the Super Liga after securing promotion from the second tier in 2022-23.
Their pre-season began with a 1-0 loss to Humenne on June 22 and has included five matches with one win, one draw, and three losses.
Coach Gergely Geri aims to avoid fitness issues ahead of their Super Liga opener against DAC 1904 on July 28.
Kosice has seen significant player turnover, including the arrival of Karlo Miljanic, Luis dos Santos, and Giannis Niarchos.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
FK Kosice
Head coach Gergely Geri is expected to rotate his squad to avoid injuries. New signings like Karlo Miljanic, Luis dos Santos, and Giannis Niarchos are anticipated to start.
Possible Starting XI: Sipos; Magda, Jakubko, Zsigmund, Bokros; Takac, Sovic, Verga; Miljanic, Niarchos, Dos Santos.
Roma
Roma’s Daniele De Rossi will likely give debuts to new signings Angelino, Le Fee, and Ryan.
Young talents are expected to get a chance, though key players like Paulo Dybala should also feature.
Possible Starting XI: Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Kumbulla, Angelino; Le Fee, Bove, Pogano; Dybala, Costa, Baldanzi.
Prediction
While Kosice is nearing the end of their pre-season, Roma is just beginning theirs, leading to a potentially balanced match.
However, Roma’s superior quality and depth are likely to see them secure a win.
Our Prediction: FK Kosice 1-2 Roma
AS Roma 
