AZ Alkmaar vs Roma

AFAS Stadion is the venue as AZ Alkmaar and Roma go head-to-head in a high-stakes UEFA Europa League showdown.

Despite going unbeaten across their last three Europa League outings (W1, D2), AZ Alkmaar’s bid to secure a knockout berth is still in tatters as they commence this round in 19th, only a point clear of the automatic relegation zone. However, AZ’s European resurgence forms part of an 11-match undefeated streak in all competitions, bookended by a scoreless draw against domestic rivals Utrecht at the weekend. That was their third clean sheet in four matches, yet they’ve failed to register a shutout in their last three Europa League home games despite avoiding defeat on each occasion (W2, D1). Roma’s visit should inspire confidence, given their outstanding record against Italian clubs (W5, D1, L2), including two victories against Roma’s fiercest rivals Lazio in 2023.

In the meantime, Roma could seal a playoff spot with a win here after stringing together a four-game unbeaten Europa League run before Christmas (W2, D2). Claudio Ranieri’s men are 14th in the league-phase table and could still seal a coveted top-eight finish. Optimism remains high after ‘I Giallorossi’ put together a six-game unbeaten streak for the first time this season (W4, D2), including a 3-1 home win against Serie A minnows Genoa last weekend. However, the visitors haven’t won any of their 13 competitive away matches this season (D8, L5), casting doubt on their hopes of returning home with all three points. Fans in attendance may not be in for a spectacle, considering four of Roma’s six Europa League outings this season have featured under 2.5 goals.