After beating arch rivals Inter Milan on Saturday, AS Roma will be looking to continue with their impressive run on Tuesday when they host minnows FC Cluj in Rome for their Uefa Champions League match day 2 fixture.
On paper this should be an easy 3 points for Ranieri and his team however, player unrest, lack of unity in the dressing room and tensions between coach and captain Francesco Totti could play a major role in the final outcome of the match.
Going into this match on the back of a 2-0 defeat German champions Bayern Munich 2 weeks ago, Roma will be underpressure to win this match if they are to progrees to the next round of this tournament.
Both teams have previously met only once, 2 years ago. The Giallorosso prgressed because of the away goal rule after they won 3-1 away and lost 2-1 at home in the stadio Olimpico in Rome.That result will serve as a motivator for the Romanian club that will be looking to cause one of the biggest upsets in this year’s tournament.
In light of Totti’s actions on Saturday, it is still not clear whether Ranieri will include him in his squad. Ranieri is expected to line his squad in a 4-4-2 formation with Boriello and Totti up front. Vucinic, Rossi, Taddei and Pizarro should make up the midfield while Riise, Dos Santos, Nico and Cassetti will be in defense. Julio Sergio will be in goal. CFR Cluj will have Lacina Traore and Diogo available for selection.
Prediction
Roma 2 CFR Cluj0.
Photo credit: from prettyfriendship
