Having shipped 18 goals in 15 league games and a table-topping 16 in Group E, Roma’s chances of joining Barcelona would perk up with an overall improvement in their defensive game. They had a host of chances particularly in the second half to win the match, which would have eased the tension evident around the Stadio Olimpico, yet none were taken.
Advertisement
A win would be the first of any kind for Roma since they beat Lazio 2-0 in the city derby at the beginning of last month, but the fact Group E is wide open won’t make the task any easier – all three clubs sitting behind Barcelona can still snatch the second remaining spot. Forward Eden Dzeko admitted before the game he was one of the major reasons behind Roma’s poor form of late. Bate have a chance here but it would be a massive shock if they can get the win they need here, they would also need Barcelona to not lose in Germany but that is probable.
Mohamed Salah overcomes an ankle injury to be included in the Roma squad for their Champions League group game against BATE Borisov.
Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has praised coach Rudi Garcia and holds confidence in the Frenchman to steer the team in the right direction.
“There are parts of our game that aren’t coming off as much as they were earlier in the season, but for now we’re just looking to find the right balance”.
Furthermore, BATE have been involved in four matches away at Italian opposition previously and they did not score a single goal across those fixtures (drawing one, losing four). “But I think when they go back home they’ll realize we’re in the last 16 of the Champions League”.
Gervinho underwent tests today which “confirmed the player is not suffering from a muscle injury”, according to an official Roma statement.
“Edin Dzeko had cramp and I couldn’t change him”. Roma have to be careful here not to be caught on the counter but I think the Italians will do enough to sneak a 1-0 or 2-0 win, either way the unders should be a solid play.
Advertisement
“We could’ve done better, but a team with 24 shots is not playing badly”.
