Former Juventus and Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira believes that Italian sides will end their wait for European success this season – by having Roma deliver the Europa League.
Vieira also enjoyed a short spell with AC Milan but was starved of continental glory himself as a player despite also turning out for Arsenal and Manchester City.
Now Head of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, he was speaking in support of Western Union’s #ShowYourPASSion campaign in order to help fund education for vulnerable children: “I fancy Roma to win the Europa League this year. They are a good team with a good coach.
“Manchester City played them in the Champions League and they have some top players like De Rossi, Gervinho, Ashley Cole and others. It is difficult to win because there are a lot of teams, you have teams from the Champions League who join and the intensity is very high.
“All teams want to reach finals and win trophies so it is a tournament that generates huge expectation from players and fans.”
He also praised the Giallorossi’s Radja Nainggolan as being the player he sees as being most similar to himself and also gave his thoughts on former side Inter’s chances.
“Inter are in a transition phase but with Roberto Mancini back at the club and with new owners, they will want to do very well.”
