Roma and Iran reach agreement over Azmoun availability ahead of Asian Cup  

Roma have reached an agreement with the Iranian FA over the availability of striker Sardar Azmoun heading into the AFC Asian Cup, beginning in mid-January. 

Roma had been fighting to keep Azmoun in Italy for as long as possible to help with an important run of fixtures at the beginning of the month, which includes games against Cremonese and possibly Lazio in the Coppa Italia, as well as a crucial clash against Atalanta in Serie A. 

The Asian Cup, however, kicks off on January 12, and while Iran’s first game is on the 14th, the squad will gather in the weeks leading up to the tournament to prepare. 

Now, Il Corriere dello Sport have confirmed that Azmoun will not leave for international duty before January 11, meaning he will be available for the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Wednesday, as well as the quarter final next week should Roma qualify, plus the Atalanta game on Saturday 7. 

If Roma do not qualify for the Coppa Italia quarter final, then it is likely that Azmoun will be released a day early following the Atalanta game on Saturday.