GIALLOROSSI YORKSHIRE BLOG
It's a make-or-break game for Roma's season tonight, as they look to defend their slender first leg lead over Porto in the Champions League Round of 16.
Roma won the home leg 2-1, but their form since then has been far from convincing, with narrow wins over strugglers Bologna and Frosinone followed by an embarrassing defeat to Lazio. So much so, that several reports suggest that if Roma lose tonight, Eusebio Di Francesco will be relieved of his duties as head coach. However, EDF's Roma have been known to step it up for the European nights, so they will be hoping to build on their first leg advantage to reach the quarter-finals for the second season running. Changes are expected from the team that lost to Lazio, with Antonio Mirante potentially replacing Robin Olsen in goal and centre-back duo Federico Fazio and Juan Jesus expected to be dropped for fit-again Kostas Manolas and ex-Porto man Ivan Marcano. Further upfield, winger Diego Perotti could make just his second start of the calendar year. Roma haven't won an away game in the Champions League knockout stages since beating Real Madrid in 2008, so fate may be against the Giallorossi. However, the form of key players such as Nicolo Zaniolo - who is expected to be fit despite limping off against Lazio - and Lorenzo Pellegrini gives some cause for optimism. The game kicks off at 8pm UK time and will be shown live on BT Sport 3.
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samuel bannister
Founder and editor of Giallorossi Yorkshire, who is also a columnist for Roma's official website about the women's team. Categories
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