As the UEFA Europa League group stage continues, all eyes turn to the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where AS Roma will face French contenders Lille OSC on Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, at 16:45 UTC. This fixture, a rare encounter between two sides with burgeoning European ambitions, promises to be an intriguing contest. Roma, under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, have enjoyed a resurgent start to their domestic and continental campaigns, while Lille arrive in Italy looking to overcome a mixed run of form in Ligue 1. With both teams seeking to solidify their position in the competition, what tactical battles will unfold, and which side will seize the crucial points?
Head-to-Head History
The history between AS Roma and Lille OSC is remarkably sparse, with the clubs having only met once in a friendly match. Their sole previous encounter was a pre-season friendly in 2019, which saw Roma edge out Lille with a 3-2 victory. While this result suggests both teams are capable of finding the net against each other, it offers limited insight into how they might perform in a competitive European setting. In terms of competitive fixtures, this will be a fresh challenge for both clubs.
- Total matches played: 1 (friendly)
- Roma wins: 1
- Lille wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- Recent result: Roma 3-2 Lille (Friendly, 2019)
Current Form & Team News
AS Roma
AS Roma enters this Europa League fixture in impressive form, having won four of their last five competitive matches. Their recent run includes a 2-0 home victory over Hellas Verona, a 2-1 away win against Nice in the Europa League, and a crucial 1-0 derby triumph over Lazio. Their only recent setback was a 0-1 loss to Torino, balanced by another 1-0 win against Pisa. Overall, Roma have recorded five wins in their last six matches across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and conceding only two, highlighting a significant defensive improvement with four clean sheets in that period. The Giallorossi’s home form has been consistent, making the Stadio Olimpico a fortress.
However, coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces some key injury concerns. Midfielder Edoardo Bove is sidelined with heart problems with no clear return date, while star forward Paulo Dybala is out until mid-October with a leg injury. Summer signing Leon Bailey is also doubtful with a muscle injury and is not expected back until after the October international break. Additionally, Jan Ziolkowski is suspended due to a direct red card. Despite these absences, Matias Soule has emerged as a standout player, currently leading Roma’s scoring charts with two goals and one assist. Gasperini recently commented on the fatigue, noting it’s more mental than physical, especially after a demanding derby.
Lille OSC
Lille’s recent form has been more inconsistent, showing a mixed bag of results. In their last five matches, they have recorded two wins and three losses. Most recently, they suffered a 0-1 league defeat against Lyon at home, following a 2-1 Europa League victory over Brann. Their other recent results include a 0-3 loss to Lens, a 2-1 win against Toulouse, and a dominant 7-1 away victory over Lorient. While their European campaign started positively, their league form has been hampered by injuries.
Lille’s injury list is extensive, with several key players unavailable. Berke Ozer (thigh), Romain Perraud (ankle), and Benjamin Andre (muscle) are all out. Ugo Raghouber is dealing with a groin injury, and Thomas Meunier is targeting an early October return from a similar issue. A significant blow is the long-term absence of Ousmane Toure, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury and is not expected back until late April 2026. Alexsandro is also out with a thigh injury, targeting an early October return. Despite these challenges, Hakon Arnar Haraldsson has been a key attacking threat with two goals, and Felix Correia leads the team with three assists.
Tactical Preview
Under Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma are likely to deploy a system that emphasizes high intensity and tactical fluidity, potentially a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation, as suggested by their predicted lineups. Their strength lies in their improved defensive solidity, having conceded just one goal in five league matches and keeping four clean sheets in their last six games across all competitions. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Pellegrini and Cristante expected to anchor the play, while Matias Soule will look to exploit spaces in advanced positions. The absence of creative forces like Dybala and Bailey might mean Roma adopt a more pragmatic approach, focusing on quick transitions and defensive discipline.
Lille, managed by Bruno Genesio, is expected to counter with a formation like a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, aiming to absorb pressure and hit Roma on the break. Their attacking threats will likely come from the likes of Hakon Arnar Haraldsson and Felix Correia, who have shown their ability to contribute goals and assists respectively. However, their extensive injury list, particularly in defense and midfield, could force Genesio to adjust his strategy and rely on younger players or those returning from injury. Lille’s ability to frustrate opponents and capitalize on counter-attacks makes them a dangerous, albeit underdog, proposition.
Weather conditions at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday are predicted to be mild with patchy rain nearby. Temperatures are expected to be around 21°C during the day, dropping to 12°C, with winds up to 28 km/h. While not extreme, these conditions could make for a slightly slicker pitch, potentially affecting ball movement and adding an element of unpredictability to the game. Travel fatigue should not be a significant factor for either side, given the relatively short journey for Lille from France to Italy.
