Massara and Roma welcome Dybala back, watch Midtjylland talent

Roma director Frederic Massara welcomes Paulo Dybala back in the starting XI and discusses potential transfer targets in the Midtjylland squad. ‘They have many talents.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Bologna-RB Salzburg and Fiorentina-AEK Athens on the Liveblog.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma takes a penalty kick which is saved by Mike Maignan of AC Milan (not pictured) during the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The only remaining absentees are Artem Dovbyk and Angelino, but very few expected Dybala to be thrown straight back into the starting XI after three weeks out with a muscular injury.

La Joya sustained it while taking a penalty in the defeat to AC Milan, while defender Daniele Ghilardi finally gets his first start too after just two brief substitute appearances.

Massara sees Roma on track

epa11945274 AS Roma’ supporters before the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first leg soccer match between AS Roma and Athletic Bilbao at Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 06 March 2025. EPA-EFE/ETTORE FERRARI

“It is great news that we have Paulo back, as he was a major absence for us, and we’ve got Leon Bailey back on the bench too,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.

The Giallorossi might be the sole leaders in Serie A, but they are yet to bring that kind of form to the Europa League, having bizarrely won both away fixtures at Nice and Rangers, but lost both at home to Lille and Viktoria Plzen.

Tonight they host surprise outfit Midtjylland, who are top of the European table after winning all four games, including away to Nottingham Forest.

“Midtjylland have many talents and we have seen great development in Scandinavian football. It’s because they invest and work hard, you can see the results of that now,” added Massara.

Is it true that Roma have been keeping a close eye on striker Dju Franculino for a potential January swoop?

“Franculino is certainly a talent, but many names are mentioned, and quite a few of them are not feasible for the January transfer window. Midtjylland also have players like Gogorza and Diao, but we all know the January transfer window is about possibilities and others that are not plausible.”