Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
Roma will look to overcome a one-goal deficit in the Conference League tie with Bodo when the two teams face each other at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday. The Giallorossi came from behind to beat Salernitana at the weekend, and, no doubt, they are high on confidence ahead of the visit of Bodo. Leonardo Spinazzola should play some part in the return leg after overcoming his long-term injury, while Lorenzo Pellegrini is back from suspension.
Kjetil Knutsen’s troops, on the other hand, aim to defend their slim advantage at Stadio Olimpico. However, home win should be considered as Jose Mourinho’s troops have turned their stadium into a real fortress. To make things even worse for the visiting side, both Moe and Pellegrino limped off with injuries in a 2-1 win over Sandefjord at the weekend. Midfielder Ola Solbakken is back after missing the first leg through illness.
Highlighted Player (Rui Patricio):
Sporting Lisbon and Portugal national team goalkeeper Rui Patricio is a one-club man. He was reportedly close to signing with Serie A giants Inter Milan during the 2008 of-season, but he remained in his club where he will most likely hang up his boots when the time comes. The 28-year-old shot stopper spent most of his career with the Lions making his debut with the first-team at only 18 years of age.
Rui Patricio went on to appear in more than 350 official games for the Portugal greats and remains the first-choice keeper for his club and country. Having gone through all the youth selections with the national team, Rui Patricio was given his first senior cap in 2010 after Paulo Bento’s appointment.
Rui Patricio represented his national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and three European Championships. The 28-year-old was the mainstay in Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 title in France.