Former Italian international forward Gianluca Vialli believes that Roma lack the necessary defensive fortitude to see out big game leads in the Champions League.
The 50 year old was speaking following the Giallorossi’s failure to secure victory against CSKA Moscow in a vital Group E contest after they squandered a one goal lead in extra time to draw 1-1.
“This Roma do not have the characteristics to win this type of this game,” Vialli told Sky Sports Italia. “You must protect the lead, stay disciplined and defend twenty meters ahead.”
“The CSKA goal? [Kevin] Strootman risked a pass and lost the ball to CSKA and on the goal side. The two central defenders followed the wrong man, freeing one in behind and then [Morgan] De Sanctis had to remain on his line to stop the player going around him.”
The draw leaves Roma second in the table on five points although that could change depending on the late result between Manchester City and Bayern Munich in the group’s other game.
