Paolo Di Canio believes Roma can enjoy a positive Champions League campaign as the Giallorossi prepare to return to the competition after more than seven years away.
Roma’s long wait for Champions League football ends on Thursday when Gian Piero Gasperini’s side face Fenerbahçe in Istanbul.
The Giallorossi enter the competition after a perfect start to their Serie A campaign, having collected nine points and scored 10 goals in their opening three matches.
Di Canio assesses Roma’s Champions League prospects
Speaking to La Stampa, Di Canio was asked to assess the prospects of the Italian clubs competing in Europe’s premier competition.
“Inter can go far. Jones will have an impact similar to McTominay,” the former Lazio and West Ham player said. “The others, with fortunate draws, can aim for the quarter-finals.”
Di Canio then offered an optimistic assessment of Roma’s potential.
“Roma can enjoy themselves,” he added. “Como could be the surprise. Napoli have some midfielders who are a little worn down.”
While he stopped short of identifying Roma as one of the leading candidates to win the competition, his comments suggest Gasperini’s team could become an entertaining and competitive presence in Europe.
Roma return to Champions League after seven years
Roma have not competed in the Champions League since the 2018/19 campaign, when they reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Porto.
The club’s European absence will end at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Thursday, September 10. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 PM CEST, or 12:45 PM ET.
Gasperini’s players will be backed by approximately 2,300 travelling Roma supporters in Istanbul.
Fenerbahçe should provide an immediate examination of Roma’s European credentials, with the Turkish side attempting to mark its own long-awaited return to the Champions League with a home victory.
Gasperini’s Roma carry strong form into Europe
Roma could hardly arrive at their Champions League opener in better domestic form.
The Giallorossi recorded consecutive 4-0 victories over Fiorentina and Lecce before producing a dramatic stoppage-time comeback to defeat Atalanta 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Gasperini’s aggressive approach, Roma’s increased attacking quality and the impact of the team’s substitutes have all contributed to growing optimism surrounding the campaign.
The complete Fenerbahçe vs Roma preview includes the latest injuries, expected starting lineups and television information.
Roma’s opening night in Istanbul will offer the first indication of whether the Giallorossi can translate their impressive Serie A form onto Europe’s biggest stage.
Source: La Stampa
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