Roma vs. Shakhtar: three keys for the Giallorossi

Roma-teamRoma face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine tomorrow in their pivotal Champions League showdown. The match-up comes nearly seven years after the Italian side were eliminated by the Ukrainian side in the Champions League. Here are three keys for the Giallorossi ahead of their clash:

Attack, attack, attack

Far too often in recent years, Roma have taken a reactive approach in pivotal Champions League showdowns. Whether it be under Rudi Garcia or Luciano Spalletti, the Giallorossi have been severely lacking in the attacking phase in their Champions League clashes. This has certainly improved under Eusebio Di Francesco, however, the Italian side must prove that their group stage performances were no fluke. Roma’s attacking potential was on full display against Chelsea, though, their form has significantly dropped since hitting the English side for six goal in two matches.

Given the attacking prowess and flair of Shakhtar, Roma cannot afford to simply sit back and absorb pressure. Di Francesco’s side must be proactive and take their attacking opportunities when presented. Furthermore, the likes of Diego Perotti, Radja Nainggolan, and Cengiz Ünder must exploit the space given to them by the Ukrainians, which could see Edin Dzeko afforded opportunities in the area.

cengiz-underUtilise both flanks

With the sensational rise in form of Cengiz Ünder, Roma now have the potential to create goals and goal scoring opportunities through both flanks. Far too often, the Giallorossi have become over-reliant on Aleksandar Kolarov and the entirety of their left side to create and develop play. Given Ünder’s incredible scoring and assist numbers over the past two weeks, Roma have shown the ability to build their attacking play through the right and left.

Prove this isn’t “the same old Roma”

It’s no secret that Roma are not a club shrouded in European glory. This a club that has lost multiple Champions League matches by a score of 7-1 while also managing to find numerous ways to flame out of European play. If the Giallorossi want to be taken seriously as a big club, or at least something resembling a big club, then these are the types of matches that must be won. Forget what has happened in the past — this isn’t Rudi Garcia’s Roma, who almost always entered the pitch with an inferiority complex.

The clash with Shakhtar is a pivotal opportunity for the club to advance to the quarterfinals and, to a certain extent, rid some of the European demons that have weighed down the club for far too long.

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