Rangers to get double Roma boost as Paulo Dybala misses out | OneFootball

Rangers face Roma on Thursday in the Europa League but the Italians will line up without their star forward Paulo Dybala. It sounds like a huge loss, but in truth, his absence might not hurt Roma much at all. Dybala’s stats this season have been painfully ordinary. One goal and one assist from eight league games is hardly elite form. Rangers fans will see a chance to exploit that. Yet this fixture is about more than one missing player.

Roma’s blunt attack offers little threat

Roma have struggled to score goals all campaign. They look short of confidence and ideas in the final third. Even when Dybala played, they often relied on moments rather than patterns. His likely replacement, Artem Dovbyk, brings energy but not much end product. He works hard, but his numbers show the same issue. Roma simply don’t shoot enough, and when they do, most efforts lack conviction. That problem gives Rangers some encouragement. However, the Scottish side can’t afford to relax. Roma still carry experience and tactical discipline, especially at home.

Rangers must find their own spark

Rangers also haven’t exactly dazzled in attack. Performances have been inconsistent, and the cutting edge remains missing. Danny Röhl has improved the energy, but the finishing touch still isn’t there. Too many chances go begging, and that has cost points. Roma may look flat, yet Rangers can’t claim superiority in front of goal. To progress, they must sharpen up and take opportunities. This is the moment for Youssef Chermiti to show why the club invested in him. Roma’s backline can be exposed if Rangers move the ball quickly.

Thursday’s clash could define momentum

This game matters far beyond group standings. A result at Ibrox would change the mood in Govan completely. Confidence has marginally grown under Röhl, but it still needs a signature European night. Roma are vulnerable, and Rangers must sense that. Even without Dybala, the Serie A side will fight hard, but their creativity has dipped. If Rangers press high, stay compact, and take their chances, they can get something. Fans remember famous away nights, and this could be another one.

Rangers face Roma without Dybala, but that headline hides the truth. The Argentine’s absence doesn’t weaken them dramatically, because his form this year has been poor. What matters is how Rangers perform in both boxes. If Röhl’s men show the same fight they did for pathches v Celtic, then they have a real shot against the Italians.