Conference League Final Preview: AS Roma vs Feyenoord

Mourinho’s Roma on Verge of First Trophy Since 2008

Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma will try to end their 14-year trophy drought as they face Feyenoord in the inaugural Conference League final. Mourinho’s side is favored in this AS Roma vs Feyenoord matchup but the latter isn’t to be underestimated. The Dutch club knocked off Marseille as underdogs in the semis and could make this an interesting match.

Conference League Final – Roma vs Feyenoord Game Info:

• Location: Air Albania Stadium, Tirana, Albania
• Date & Time: Wednesday May 25th, 3:00 p.m. ET
• TV: Paramount+, fubo.TV, TUDN

Head-to-Head

All Meetings:

• Feb 2015: Feyenoord 1-2 Roma
• Feb 2015: Roma 1-1 Feyenoord

The AS Roma vs Feyenoord head-to-head history is quite limited in recent times as they’ve only met in the 2014-15 Europa League Round of 32. Roma defeated a nine-man Feyenoord in the second leg, 2-1, to advance to the Round of 16.

Mourinho Going for European Treble

• Form (All Competitions): W,D,L,W,D
• Injuries and Suspensions: M Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Hamstring)

Roma capped off their Serie A season with a 3-0 road win over Torino. Tammy Abraham scored a double for the visitors which brought his season goals tally to an impressive 17. It remains to be seen whether this will be Abraham’s last game with Roma but he has a hefty release clause which may not be met over the Summer.

The Giallorossi were unable to qualify for the Champions League in Jose Mourinho’s first season at the helm, finishing in sixth, however, this season would be seen as a success if Mourinho can deliver their first trophy since winning the 2008 Coppa Italia. Regardless, Roma are assured of playing in the Europa League next season instead of the Conference League.

Only creative midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is on the injury report ahead of Wednesday’s final. So, Mourinho will have a strong side at his disposal for the final. AS Roma betting odds price the Giallorossi as +135 favorites and -150 to lift the cup in what should be a competitive match. Should Roma win, Mourinho will be the first manager to win all three major European club competitions in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.

Feyenoord No Stranger to Shootouts

• Form (All Competitions): L,W,D,D,W
• Injuries and Suspensions: None Reported

Like Roma, Feyenoord will be playing Europa League football next season regardless of the outcome on Wednesday. Feyenoord lost their Eredivisie closer a couple of weekends ago to FC Twente but have put in some inspired performances in the UECL this season.

They’ll face their toughest test of the season in the Europa Conference League final but should certainly be up for it. Feyenoord defeated Marseille, Ligue 1’s second place team, 3-2 in the first leg of the semifinal. The ever-reliable Cyriel Dessers and Luis Sinisterra were on the scoresheet in Rotterdam. Then, Feyenoord shut out Marseille in a scoreless draw in France to book their ticket to Tirana.

Averaging nearly three goals per game in the knockout stage, the Dutch side are difficult to contain. Dessers reached the 20-goal mark in all competitions this season, while both Sinisterra and Bryan Linssen had double digit goals and assists. Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson has also stepped up in recent weeks with solid wing play. Feyenoord are +220 underdogs and +120 to hoist the trophy.

What to Watch For

All but one of Feyenoord’s six knockout stage matches have finished with three or more goals. The over/under goal total for the match sits at 2½, with the under implied to be more likely at -125. That may be because Roma have tightened up on defense recently and have allowed just four goals in six previous knockout stage matches.

An AS Roma vs Feyenoord draw is priced at a relatively short +220. The Europa League final, which Eintracht Frankfurt won over Rangers in penalties, also finished in a draw and Mourinho’s teams certainly are no stranger to sitting back.

Interestingly, both teams are likely to score, at -140 and it’s hard to bet against Tammy Abraham getting on the scoresheet with the form he’s been in. The English striker could be a nuisance for a Feyenoord defense which has been leaky at times. On the other hand, Feyenoord have four players who have scored 15 or more goals this season and should be a tricky customer. Astoundingly, Roma would lift their first major European trophy for over 60 years if they’re to win.