Roma will be Italy’s first representative in the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, as they entertain reigning champions Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico.
The fixture welcomes Luis Enrique back to the Italian capital, having previously coached the Giallorossi for the 2011-12 season.
Before his one-year tenure in the eternal city, the Spanish tactician had only been involved with the Barcelona B team, thus his the chance to grace Serie A was a huge step in his now highly decorated career. Enrique will always be grateful to Roma for granting him his first big opportunity, but now he will be determined to get one over his former employers.
For the home side, this is a massive test of their credentials and could perhaps have a profound effect on the rest of their season; both in Europe and Serie A. Last season saw the Giallorossi succumb to Bayern Munich in this competition, who thrashed them 7-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma had started the 2014-15 season brightly, but the defeat to the reigning German champions knocked them off their stride and drained their early confidence. A similar result on Tuesday night could possibly have the same consequences.
For many, Roma are an unknown quantity in Europe this season. Their attacking prowess is rarely questioned, but their lack of cohesion and general defensive frailties have cost them dearly in recent times. New Premier League arrivals such as Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah may provide something new in attack, but question marks remain over how long Roma can prolong their Champions League adventure.
These two sides met as early as last month in a pre-season friendly, where the Giallorossi were put to the sword in a 3-0 defeat.
Goals from Neymar, Lionel Messi and Ivan Rakitic ensured that the Catalans lifted the Joan Gamper Trophy, but the occasion was somewhat spoiled by an altercation between Messi and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. The Frenchman has since left Italy for Olympique Lyon, but the incident could have been enough to embitter the Giallorossi in what should be an intense match.
The home side are without midfielders Miralem Pjanic and Kevin Strootman through injury, while Dani Alves is missing for the Catalans due to a groin strain. Gerard Pique will also miss the game due to a suspension.
Expected Starting XIs
Roma: Szczesny; Florenzi, Castan, Manolas, Digne; De Rossi, Keita, Nainggolan; Salah, Dzeko, Falque.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Mascherano, Mathieu, Alba; Rakitic, Sergio, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar.
