Europe needs star players like McIlroy to perform well to win the Ryder Cup.

This Friday marks the start of Europe's mission to reclaim the Ryder Cup from the United States in Rome. After a record 19-9 loss in 2021, the home side has great hopes for a much different outcome at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. Metro takes a look at five crucial factors that could decide who will be celebrating on Sunday.

Will home advantage prove decisive once again? Historically, seven out of the last eight Ryder Cup matches have been won by the home side, the only exception being Europe's miraculous 2012 win at Medinah. Nine members of the US team made a scouting trip to Marco Simone in an attempt to secure their first win on European soil since 1993. Meanwhile, multiple European players have had the opportunity to compete in the Italian Open at the venue in the past three years – Robert MacIntyre and Nicolai Hojgaard being the two champions. The long rough and slower greens of the PGA Tour are seen as an advantage for the hosts.

This year, both captains have chosen six wild cards which have caused some controversy. Zach Johnson selected Justin Thomas, an out-of-form player, while Luke Donald omitted Adrian Meronk despite his Italian Open win in May. Thomas, in particular, will be under close scrutiny since he was chosen ahead of Keegan Bradley, Lucas Glover, and Cameron Young. He does, however, have a strong record in team competitions and was fifth in his most recent tour start.

Ludvig Aberg is the fastest amateur golfer to transition to the Ryder Cup, winning the qualifying event in Switzerland and being selected by Donald just hours later. He also had a notable lead in the BMW PGA Championship until a disappointing 76 in the final round. This result could be beneficial if it dims the hype surrounding the talented Swede.

Donald's decision to omit the five LIV Golfers was also a controversial one – the only US team member being Brooks Koepka. Although Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau could have been more reliable selections, Europe will be without the experience of Ryder Cup greats Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, and Lee Westwood. It feels like the changing of the guard was due regardless of golf's civil war.

Finally, Europe have the upper hand with three of the world's top four golfers in their team – Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Jon Rahm. Fitzpatrick, however, has lost all five of his matches to date and McIlroy has only achieved three points from eight matches in his last two Ryder Cups. Donald will be relying on his star names to deliver a winning performance if Europe are to reclaim the trophy.

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