Champions League Power Rankings: PSG shine in matchweek 1
By James Dudko
14. Roma
Roma aren’t the first side who have failed to break Atletico Madrid down in the Champions League. They won’t be the last either.
Even so, the Italians will look back on matchday 1 with a tinge of disappointment after being held to a 0-0 draw at home. It was hardly the marker Roma needed to lay down in Group C, a tough group also featuring Chelsea.
Roma were typically strong in midfield, thanks to Radja Nainggolan, Kevin Strootman and skipper Daniele De Rossi. However, there was a shortage of ideas and inspiration in the final third from manager Eusebio Di Francesco’s side.
In particular, striker Edin Dzeko was wasteful with too many touches. He didn’t link well with forward Gregoire Defrel.
Without their key combination clicking, Roma looked nothing more than workmanlike. They will need to be much more to get out of this group.