AS Roma vs Viktoria Plzen Prediction – Europa League Round 3 Preview, Lineups & Betting Tips
AS Roma vs Viktoria Plzen – Europa League Round 3 Preview
The Europa League League Phase continues on October 23, 2025, with a fascinating matchup at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where AS Roma host Czech champions Viktoria Plzen in Round 3 of the competition. Both teams enter this clash in contrasting moods, with Roma aiming to extend their unbeaten European run, while Plzen look to bounce back from a rough start.
Under Daniele De Rossi, AS Roma have been impressive in both Serie A and Europe in 2025, showing a more dynamic and attacking identity. Meanwhile, Viktoria Plzen have had a mixed continental campaign so far — showing glimpses of potential but lacking consistency against stronger opponents. ⚡
🔴 AS Roma – Momentum and Confidence Building
AS Roma have looked rejuvenated since De Rossi took charge, with a blend of tactical intelligence and youthful energy defining their 2025 performances. Sitting comfortably in the top four of Serie A, the Giallorossi are also strong contenders in the Europa League, having collected six points from their first two matches, including a 2–0 win over Gent and a hard-fought 1–0 away victory against Sturm Graz.
Roma’s home form has been excellent this year — they’ve lost only once at the Olimpico in 2025. Their pressing structure and ability to transition quickly through midfield have been crucial to their success. Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku remain key attacking figures, while midfield dynamo Lorenzo Pellegrini controls the tempo.
De Rossi’s Roma also boast one of the best defenses in the competition, marshalled by Gianluca Mancini and Evan Ndicka, supported by the reliable Rui Patrício between the posts. With confidence high and tactical balance evident, Roma approach this match as firm favorites. 💪
🔵 Viktoria Plzen – Fighting to Stay Alive
For Viktoria Plzen, the 2025 Europa League campaign has been challenging. The Czech champions began their group phase with a 1–3 loss to Sporting CP and a 0–0 draw against Maccabi Haifa, leaving them with just one point heading into Round 3.
Despite these results, coach Miroslav Koubek has instilled resilience and discipline in his side. Plzen’s domestic form remains strong — they are currently second in the Czech First League — but their lack of cutting edge in Europe has been noticeable.
Attacking midfielder Pavel Šulc has been their creative spark, while Tomas Chory continues to lead the line with physical presence and aerial power. However, their defense will face one of its toughest challenges yet, trying to contain Roma’s versatile and technically superior front line. ⚔️
📊 Head-to-Head Record
AS Roma and Viktoria Plzen have faced each other four times in European competition, with the Italian side dominating the fixture history.
Roma Wins: 3
Plzen Wins: 0
Draws: 1
Goals (Roma 13 – 3 Plzen)
Their last meeting came in the 2018/19 Champions League group stage, when Roma won 5–0 at home, featuring an unforgettable hat-trick from Edin Džeko. However, Plzen did manage to earn a 2–1 victory in the reverse fixture — their only triumph over Italian opposition to date.
That said, much has changed since then, and Roma’s current form and squad depth make them overwhelming favorites.
🧩 Predicted Lineups
AS Roma (4–3–3):
Goalkeeper: Rui Patrício
Defenders: Rick Karsdorp, Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Leonardo Spinazzola
Midfielders: Bryan Cristante, Leandro Paredes, Lorenzo Pellegrini (c)
Forwards: Paulo Dybala, Romelu Lukaku, Stephan El Shaarawy
Viktoria Plzen (4–2–3–1):
Goalkeeper: Jindřich Staněk
Defenders: Libor Holík, Lukáš Hejda (c), Robin Hranáč, Milan Havel
Midfielders: Lukáš Kalvach, Modou Ndiaye
Attacking Midfielders: Jan Sykora, Pavel Šulc, Vaclav Pilar
Forward: Tomas Chory
Roma are expected to control possession with their experienced midfield trio, while Plzen will likely sit deep and try to counter through Sykora and Šulc’s pace.
⚙️ Tactical Analysis
Roma’s Strategy:
High pressing and quick transitions through midfield.
Exploit wide areas via Spinazzola and Dybala cutting inside.
Lukaku’s strength and hold-up play to unlock tight defensive lines.
Plzen’s Approach:
Compact defensive block with two holding midfielders.
Counterattacks led by Šulc’s creativity and Chory’s aerial presence.
Dependence on set-pieces to create scoring chances.
Given Roma’s attacking depth and home dominance, they’re expected to pin Plzen back for most of the match. However, if Roma’s defense gets complacent, Plzen’s physicality could still threaten from dead-ball situations.
🔮 Match Prediction
Full-Time Score: AS Roma 3–0 Viktoria Plzen
Both Teams to Score: ❌ No
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: ✅ Over 2.5
Key Player: Paulo Dybala (AS Roma)
Roma’s superior quality in all areas of the pitch, combined with their excellent home record, should make this a comfortable evening for the Giallorossi. Dybala’s creativity and Lukaku’s power up front are likely to dismantle the Czech defense, while Roma’s midfield will dominate possession.
Expect the Italians to control the game from start to finish, adding another victory to their perfect European campaign. 🏆
🏁 Conclusion
The AS Roma vs Viktoria Plzen encounter at the Stadio Olimpico promises an exciting night for the home supporters, who have witnessed their team grow under De Rossi’s guidance. Roma’s mix of technical ability, discipline, and home confidence makes them heavy favorites to secure all three points.
Viktoria Plzen will fight bravely, but their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of depth could prove costly against a ruthless Roma side. The Giallorossi are expected to deliver another commanding performance, reinforcing their status as one of the Europa League’s top contenders. ⚽🔥
Final Prediction: AS Roma 3–0 Viktoria Plzen – A dominant home win that keeps Roma’s European momentum rolling strong.
