One of the most intriguing match-ups of matchday 6 is the clash at the Stadio Olimpico between Roma and Fiorentina (Sunday 1 November, 18:00 CET), eighth and seventh respectively in the table after five games.

Our statistical head-to-head of matchday 6, which is made possible with the free stats database on Figc.it, pits Lorenzo Pellegrini against Giacomo “Jack” Bonaventura.

These midfielders are both attack-minded, but neither one has particularly hit the ground running this season. Both players were in Roberto Mancini’s most recent Italy squad and both have played a similar amount of minutes in the league so far (400 vs. 388) in five matches, starting in every one.

Pellegrini has been more involved in his team’s play going forward, with two shots on goal (vs. Bonaventura’s one), two assists (vs. one) and thirteen chances created, compared to the eight of his Viola counterpart. The number of passes completed also favours Pellegrini: 192 to 149.

Bonaventura has won more free-kicks (ten to seven) and has thus far not been penalised, while the Roma man has given away a penalty. Neither player has been sent off and they have only been booked once.

Similarly to the situation in the table between Roma and Fiorentina, this statistical head-to-head has resulted in a particularly close contest, which the Giallorossi midfielder just edges.