Roma vs Cremonese Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 22 February

Roma vs Cremonese Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 22 February, presents an intriguing Serie A encounter at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Roma, with their illustrious history in Italian football, will be aiming to make the most of their home advantage to secure vital points.

Cremonese, meanwhile, will be looking to defy expectations and make their mark in Serie A with a strong showing against a formidable opponent. With both teams eager for victory, the outcome could significantly impact their league positions. Supporters and punters alike will be watching closely to see how this contest at the Stadio Olimpico unfolds.

Roma vs Cremonese Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
AS Roma to Triumph	1.5

Given Roma’s impressive home record and Cremonese’s struggles away from home, our recommended betting tip is a Roma win. Roma have lost just once in their last seven home matches and previously defeated Cremonese 3-1 earlier this season.

• Roma have scored in 75% of their home matches this season, highlighting their attacking strength.
• Cremonese’s extensive injury list and poor away form leave them exposed.
• Roma’s solid defence, conceding only 0.6 goals on average, stands in contrast to Cremonese’s inconsistency.

Betting Odds

Roma are clear favourites for this Serie A fixture at the Stadio Olimpico, with the odds reflecting their strong home advantage. At 1.36, backing Roma may not yield huge returns, but it remains a solid choice for accumulators.

Betting Tip	Odds
Roma to win	1.36
Draw	4.7
Cremonese to win	9.16

Cremonese, meanwhile, are significant outsiders at 9.16, making them an interesting option for those seeking a potential upset. The draw is priced at 4.7, which could appeal to those expecting an unpredictable outcome.

Roma Analysis & Recent Performance

Roma’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their latest draw against SSC Napoli (2-2) continued a pattern of mixed results, underlining both their attacking strengths and defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
SSC Napoli	Roma	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	15 Feb 2026
Roma	Cagliari	2 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	9 Feb 2026
Udinese	Roma	1 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	2 Feb 2026
Panathinaikos	Roma	1 – 1 (Draw)	Europa League	29 Jan 2026
Roma	AC Milan	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	25 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five matches, Roma have averaged 1.20 goals scored per game while conceding 1.00 per match. They have managed just one clean sheet in this period, indicating room for defensive improvement. Nevertheless, their attack has remained resilient, with Matías Soulé emerging as a key figure, having scored six goals this season.

Home Performance:
Roma’s home form is notably stronger, with a 60% win rate. They have won three of their last five home games, scoring in four of those matches. Their performances at the Stadio Olimpico are vital to maintaining their place near the top of Serie A, where they currently sit fourth with 47 points.

Overall Dynamics:

• DWLDD

Defensively, Roma have shown some solidity with five clean sheets in their last ten matches, equating to a 50% clean sheet rate. Their attack, averaging 1.60 goals per game over the same period, highlights their offensive capability. However, consistency—especially in defence—remains a challenge.

Roma Suspensions & Injuries

Roma are contending with several important absences due to injury, which could impact their tactical approach against Cremonese. Stephan El Shaarawy is sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury until mid-March, and Evan Ferguson is a doubt with a thigh problem, potentially limiting attacking options. Paulo Dybala is also doubtful with a knee injury, further complicating Roma’s attacking setup and possibly requiring Lorenzo Pellegrini to play a more advanced role alongside Donyell Malen.

Wesley, despite being listed with an ankle injury, may still feature in the starting eleven, helping to provide stability in midfield. Bryan Cristante’s leadership will be essential in dictating play from midfield, especially with Manu Koné also unavailable. Roma’s squad depth will be tested, and they must rely on their defensive solidity to compensate for these attacking absences.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Artem Dovbyk	Muscle injury	Mid April 2026
Stephan El Shaarawy	Achilles tendon injury	Mid March 2026
Evan Ferguson	Thigh injury	Doubtful
Paulo Dybala	Knee injury	Doubtful
Wesley	Ankle injury	Doubtful

With no suspensions affecting Roma, their defensive core remains intact, which is crucial for maintaining stability at the back. The absence of suspensions allows Roma to focus on integrating available players, minimising disruption to their defensive strategy. This continuity could help offset the impact of injuries in attack and keep Roma competitive against Cremonese.

Roma Key Players

Roma’s attack is led by Matías Soulé, the team’s top scorer with six goals. Soulé’s finishing ability and intelligent movement make him a constant threat. His partnership with Donyell Malen could be decisive in breaking down Cremonese’s defence.

In midfield, Lorenzo Pellegrini is expected to orchestrate play with his vision and passing accuracy. Pellegrini’s ability to link defence and attack will be vital, as he looks to create chances for Soulé and Malen. Bryan Cristante provides stability and defensive cover, enabling Pellegrini to push forward more freely.

Expected lineup for Roma:

• Goalkeeper: Mile Svilar
• Defenders: Gianluca Mancini, Evan N’Dicka, Daniele Ghilardi
• Midfielders: Wesley, Mehmet Zeki Çelik, Bryan Cristante, Niccolò Pisilli, Bryan Zaragoza, Lorenzo Pellegrini
• Forward: Donyell Malen

At the back, Gianluca Mancini and Evan N’Dicka are key to maintaining a solid defensive line. Mancini’s leadership and N’Dicka’s physical presence will be crucial in containing Cremonese’s attacking threats. Roma’s tactical approach is likely to balance attacking flair with defensive resilience.

Roma Tactics and Formation

Roma Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Donyell Malen
• Midfield Pivot: Bryan Cristante and Mehmet Zeki Çelik
• Defensive Strength: Recent defensive consistency with a settled back three
• Notable Strategy: Strong wing play and effective transitions.

Roma’s 3-4-2-1 system under Gian Piero Gasperini is designed to dominate the midfield while ensuring defensive solidity. Bryan Cristante and Mehmet Zeki Çelik anchor the midfield, balancing defensive duties with supporting the attack. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Zaragoza provide creativity behind striker Donyell Malen.

Defensively, Roma rely on a solid back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N’Dicka, and Daniele Ghilardi, which has contributed to their recent clean sheets and offers a strong foundation for launching counterattacks.

In attack, Roma focus on exploiting width and quick transitions. With Wesley and Niccolò Pisilli providing width, they aim to stretch opponents and create opportunities for Malen. Despite injuries, Roma’s tactical flexibility has been key to maintaining their form.

Cremonese Analysis & Recent Performance

Cremonese’s recent form has been disappointing, with no wins in their last five Serie A matches. They have suffered defeats to Atalanta (1-2), Inter (0-2), and Sassuolo (0-1), and recorded two draws, including a goalless draw against Genoa.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cremonese	Genoa	0 – 0 (Draw)	Serie A	15 Feb 2026
Atalanta	Cremonese	2 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	9 Feb 2026
Cremonese	Inter	0 – 2 (Loss)	Serie A	1 Feb 2026
Sassuolo	Cremonese	1 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	25 Jan 2026
Cremonese	Verona	0 – 0 (Draw)	Serie A	19 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Cremonese have struggled in attack, averaging just 0.20 goals per game over their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.00 goal per match and managed two clean sheets. Their away form is particularly poor, with four losses in their last five away games, underscoring their difficulties on the road.

Currently 16th in the league with 24 points, Cremonese’s win ratio is 0.00 over the last five matches, highlighting the urgent need for improvement at both ends of the pitch. Jamie Vardy, their top scorer with five goals, will be crucial if they are to reverse their fortunes.

• DLLLD

Cremonese Suspensions & Injuries

Cremonese approach their match against Roma with several notable absentees due to injury, which could force tactical changes. Michele Collocolo is sidelined with a muscle injury and his return date remains uncertain, while Federico Ceccherini and Warren Bondo are both expected back in early March and will miss this fixture. Mikayil Faye is doubtful due to a head injury, further depleting Cremonese’s defensive options.

The absence of Warren Bondo and Federico Ceccherini, both key to the midfield and defence respectively, will require tactical adjustments. Their replacements, likely drawn from the bench, may lack the experience and cohesion of the regular starters, possibly prompting coach Davide Nicola to adopt a more conservative approach.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Michele Collocolo	Muscle injury	Unknown
Warren Bondo	Thigh injury	Early March 2026
Mikayil Faye	Head injury	Doubtful
Federico Ceccherini	Muscle injury	Early March 2026

With the team likely to continue in a 3-5-2 formation, Matteo Bianchetti may step into the defensive line to replace the missing Federico Baschirotto from the previous lineup. The midfield could be reshuffled to maintain balance, with tactical tweaks aimed at reinforcing defensive solidity against Roma’s attack.

These injuries could influence Cremonese’s betting odds, potentially lengthening them due to reduced squad depth and the absence of key players. This may result in a more cautious style of play, affecting their ability to control the match and challenge Roma effectively.

Cremonese Key Players

Cremonese’s main attacking threat comes from Jamie Vardy, who has scored five goals this season. Vardy’s experience and clinical finishing make him a constant danger, especially when partnered with Milan Đurić. This strike partnership will look to exploit any lapses in Roma’s defence, with Vardy’s pace and Đurić’s physicality forming a potent duo.

In midfield, Morten Thorsby and Martín Payero play pivotal roles. Thorsby provides defensive tenacity and aerial strength, while Payero’s creativity and passing are crucial for linking defence to attack. On the flanks, Alessio Zerbin’s pace and crossing ability can create opportunities for the forwards, adding an extra dimension to Cremonese’s play.

Expected lineup for Cremonese:

• Goalkeeper: Emil Audero
• Defence: Filippo Terracciano, Sebastiano Luperto, Matteo Bianchetti
• Midfield: Martín Payero, Giuseppe Pezzella, Morten Thorsby, Youssef Maleh, Alessio Zerbin
• Forward: Milan Đurić, Jamie Vardy

In defence, Sebastiano Luperto and Matteo Bianchetti form the backbone of the back line. Luperto’s composure and Bianchetti’s tackling will be vital in keeping Roma’s attackers at bay. Goalkeeper Emil Audero will also need to be at his best to deny Roma’s potent attack. This blend of defensive solidity and attacking threat will be key to Cremonese’s hopes.

Cremonese Tactics and Formation

Cremonese Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Jamie Vardy
• Midfield Engine: Morten Thorsby and Martín Payero
• Defensive Concerns: Lack of clean sheets in away matches
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wide midfielders for width and crosses.

Cremonese’s 3-5-2 formation is designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking options. The defensive trio of Filippo Terracciano, Sebastiano Luperto, and Matteo Bianchetti forms a solid back line, but their lack of clean sheets away from home highlights vulnerabilities, especially against dynamic attacks.

In midfield, Morten Thorsby and Martín Payero are crucial for maintaining possession and driving forward. Giuseppe Pezzella and Alessio Zerbin provide width as wing-backs, stretching the opposition and delivering crosses to the forwards.

Offensively, Jamie Vardy remains the focal point, using his experience and movement to exploit defensive gaps. Despite recent struggles, Cremonese’s approach often involves quick transitions and making the most of Vardy’s pace to create scoring chances.

Roma vs Cremonese Head-to-Head Record

Roma and Cremonese have met five times recently, with Roma leading the head-to-head with three wins to Cremonese’s two, and no draws. In their most recent meeting, Roma claimed a convincing 3-1 away victory over Cremonese in Serie A, underlining their dominance.

The last time these sides met at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A, Roma secured a narrow 1-0 win. Notably, in the Coppa Italia, Cremonese managed a 2-1 away victory over Roma, demonstrating their potential to spring a surprise.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cremonese	Roma	1 – 3	Serie A	2025-11-23
Roma	Cremonese	2 – 1	Coppa Italia	2024-01-03
Cremonese	Roma	2 – 1	Serie A	2023-02-28
Roma	Cremonese	1 – 2	Coppa Italia	2023-02-01
Roma	Cremonese	1 – 0	Serie A	2022-08-22