Both teams arrive in Budapest with mixed performances in their domestic leagues but impressive runs in Europe's second-tier competition. With only one team able to claim the silverware, the stakes are high. Sevilla carries a proud tradition into the match, having reached the final of the Europa League (or its predecessor, the UEFA Cup) for a record-breaking seventh time. They have triumphed on each occasion they reached the finale, with their first victory dating back to 2006 when a young Jesus Navas lifted the trophy after defeating Middlesbrough.
Their most recent triumph was three years ago, and now the most successful team in the tournament's history concludes a challenging 2022-23 campaign in Hungary, a nation hosting its first European final since 1985. Sevilla's journey to the final included eliminating powerhouse clubs like Manchester United and Juventus, showcasing their strength at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, where they have won 25 of their last 28 Europa League matches. However, they must now demonstrate their mettle on neutral ground against a particularly stubborn opponent.
Like Roma, Sevilla has faced difficulties in their domestic season, and they travel under the guidance of their third coach of the campaign, the understated Basque boss Jose Luis Mendilibar. Mendilibar's influence has helped Sevilla avoid relegation from La Liga, and their fortunes have noticeably improved since his appointment. Although they may fall short of securing a top-half finish in Spain, Sevilla has only lost twice during Mendilibar's tenure, most recently against Real Madrid on the penultimate matchday. They stand one victory away from claiming their seventh continental title.
A victory in Budapest would elevate Sevilla to the status of one of the five clubs with the most major European trophies. Interestingly, the only previous encounter between Sevilla and Roma resulted in the Spanish side progressing from the Europa League's last 16 in 2020, eventually winning the tournament for the sixth time. While Mendilibar hopes for Sevilla's lucky number seven, his counterpart Jose Mourinho has already amassed five major UEFA trophies. If Roma triumphs this week, Mourinho will become the most decorated manager in European competition, surpassing Italian maestro Giovanni Trapattoni. Moreover, having guided Giallorossi to the inaugural Europa Conference League title last year, Mourinho would be the first coach to win the Europa League with three different clubs, having previously triumphed with Porto in 2003 and Manchester United in 2017.
Although Roma lost their only UEFA Cup final appearance in 1991 against Inter, they have reached a total of five European finals, with Mourinho's team emerging victorious against Feyenoord in Tirana last year. Despite recent struggles in the Italian league, Roma progressed through the group stage and eliminated Red Bull Salzburg, Real Sociedad, Feyenoord (once again), and Bayer Leverkusen in the semifinals. Their victory over Leverkusen showcased Mourinho's tactical prowess, as they held onto a first-leg lead to secure their place in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in Serie A with one game remaining, Roma's best possible league finish is fifth after a recent 2-1 defeat against fellow European finalists Fiorentina. Some have accused Roma of underperforming during a run featuring three losses and four draws domestically, making the stakes incredibly high for the final. Winning the Europa League not only brings glory but also grants direct entry into the 2023-24 Champions League group stage, and Mourinho appears to be banking on a successful outcome at the Puskas Arena to restore his reputation before potentially moving on from the club.
TEAM NEWS (INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS).
Yassine Bounou, who has been Sevilla's cup goalkeeper under Jose Luis Mendilibar's reign, will replace Marko Dmitrovic in goal for the Spanish side, as they make several changes to the team that suffered a defeat against Real Madrid on Saturday.Joan Jordan and Suso have recovered from their injuries and are available for selection, but there are doubts surrounding Tanguy Nianzou and Marcao, while Marcos Acuna is suspended. However, Mendilibar still has plenty of options to choose from.
Expected to lead the team as the captain from the right-back position in a probable 4-2-3-1 formation, Jesus Navas will celebrate his 37th birthday on Wednesday, making him the oldest outfield player to start a UEFA Cup or Europa League final since David Weir, who was 38 years old when he did so for Rangers in 2008.
In the forward line, Rafa Mir will make way for Youssef En-Nesyri, another star from the World Cup, who scored twice against Manchester United in the quarterfinals and once against Juventus in the semifinals.
On the Roma side, Paulo Dybala, their main player, is expected to be available in Budapest after being given the all-clear by the club's medical staff. Despite recovering from an ankle injury sustained against Atalanta last month, the talented forward should at least be fit enough for a substitute appearance.
Leonardo Spinazzola is also set to return in time for the final, as he resumed full training at the beginning of the week. The only players remaining sidelined for Roma are Rick Karsdorp and Marash Kumbulla.
After Jose Mourinho fielded a weakened team in Florence, indicating that the upcoming showdown will be a do-or-die moment, several key players will return for Roma. Nemanja Matic, goalkeeper Rui Patricio, and captain Lorenzo Pellegrini did not travel to Tuscany over the weekend, but Pellegrini, who has been directly involved in eight Europa League goals this season, will lead Roma in the Hungarian capital.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Sevilla possible starting lineup:Bounou; Navas, Bade, Gudelj, Telles; Fernando, Rakitic; Ocampos, Torres, Gil; En-Nesyri
Roma possible starting lineup:
Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Zalewski, Cristante, Matic, Spinazzola; Pellegrini, El Shaarawy; Abraham
EXPERT PREDICTION
Sevilla 1-2 Roma
Sevilla possesses a wider array of attacking options, but Mourinho's team is known for their defensive resilience and ability to capitalize on set-pieces, which might prove sufficient to secure another trophy for the determined Giallorossi.
