Expectations for AS Roma's Champions League debut alongside Italy's other clubs are the focus of a Sky Sport IT analysis. The outlet gathered opinions from experts like Marocchi, Costacurta, Bergomi and Marchegiani ahead of the group stage starting on Tuesday. Roma approach the European appointment in superb form, topping the Serie A standings with 9 points, three wins from three games, and an impressive record of 10 goals scored and only one conceded.
What are the expectations for the Italian teams?
Marocchi set a minimum target for all four Italian representatives. The former footballer told Sky Sport IT: "Tutte devono arrivare almeno ai playoff". This comment sets a clear benchmark for Roma, Inter, Napoli and newly-promoted Como. The broadcaster's analysis focuses on the challenges awaiting the clubs in the continental tournament, where the competition will be of a higher level. Roma, in particular, will need to confirm in Europe the extraordinary form shown in the league, where they finished the first three matchdays with a +9 goal difference.
What do the experts say about Inter and Real Madrid?
The experts' evaluations also touch on the main opponents. Alessandro Costacurta expressed a cautious opinion about Inter, while acknowledging their strength. "L’Inter è forte ma, secondo me, ce ne sono 5 o 6 più forti," stated the former defender. A specific warning came from Beppe Bergomi regarding Real Madrid, a potential rival for any Italian team. Bergomi highlighted how Real's players could be particularly dangerous for a team structured like Chivu's Inter, a concept that also applies to other Italian tactical setups.
Can Roma and Como be the surprise packages?
Among the four Italian sides, according to Sky Sport IT's analysis, there are teams that could surprise. Former goalkeeper Giovanni Marchegiani pointed to Como and Roma as the clubs with the most potential to be surprises in this Champions League edition. For Roma, this optimism is fueled by their positive moment: the Trigoria-based team not only leads Serie A but also has the league's best defence with just one goal conceded. Their next league fixture is away to Torino on September 14, a match fans can track in detail on our fixtures page.
What shape is Roma in for the Champions League?
The context in which AS Roma begins its European adventure is ideal. The team has won all of its first three league games, showing effective attacking play and solid defence. This makes the Champions League debut an even more interesting test to verify the group's consistency. The squad available to the coach, which fans can view in our squad section, appears well-balanced. The explosive start in Serie A, with a string of wins and an average of over three goals per game, provides a solid foundation of confidence. The European challenge starts on Tuesday, with Roma aiming to bring its sparkling league form into the top continental competition.
