All Roads lead to Rome – The Seagulls prepare to take on Roma in Europa League last 16
European Rookies Brighton and Hove Albion head to Rome on Thursday night to continue keeping their European dream alive.
The Seagulls head to Stadio Olimpico stadium to face Roma in the last 16 of the Europa League.
Despite it being their first time competing in an European tournament, Brighton have already proved their determination.
The European first timers secured wins against AEK Athens and Ajex on their travels and managed to come back from being 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Maresille in the Group stages.
Their European experience should stand them in good stead as they prepare to take on their Italian head coach good friend and Roma coach Daniele De Rossi.
Roma club legend De Rossi has got Roma firing on all cylinders since Jose Mourinho’s departure as manager.
Speaking to the DAZN in a post-match interview on Saturday De Rossi said, “This was already a cohesive group, I didn’t do anything.
“This is a group that went all the way in Europe for two years, did some great things.
“If you’re not a united group you will not reach those standards.
“I will continue to manage human beings rather than players.”
Robert De Zerbi’s men head to Italy after crashing out of the FA Cup last week, and on the back of a 3-0 defeat by Fulham in the Premier League.
Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke has rightfully earned himself as one of De Zerbi’s best players so far in the tournament.
The Dutch defender told the Albion website, “It’s really special going to the Stadio Olimpico and it’s special for all of us. There are great stadiums [in the Europa League] and you play against great teams.
“You never know with the draw who you’re going to get and then you hope you get a nice game and we got one. So hopefully we’ll go through to the next round.”
Van Hecke will likely be up against Roma’s former Chelsea and Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku has scored an impressive 25 goals in all-competitions this season including internationals, with his most recent being on Saturday in Roma’s 4-1 victory away to Monza.
Brighton are still without several of their key players.
Winger Solly March is still out for season with a knee injury sustained last October against Manchester City.
Japan international Kaoru Mitoma is also out with a lower back injury.
Whilst youngest Jack Hinshelwood is set to miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.
The first leg of the Europa league last 16 kicks off on 6 March with Sporting CP taking on Atalanta.
