AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is urging his players to write their names into the club's history by defeating Olympique Lyonnais and booking a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time.
'Historic moment'
Beaten finalists in the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1984, Roma have not progressed beyond the last 16 since the competition was revamped, and the significance of Wednesday's first leg at the Stadio Olimpico is not lost on Spalletti. "This is a historic moment for the club," the 47-year-old said. "It's vital that the players seize the opportunity because it may be the last chance they get to play in the latter stages of the Champions League."
'Fundamental role'
The home supporters look sure to rise to the occasion with a record attendance of around 75,000 expected, and the excitement is already filtering through to the players. "We can feel that there is a special buzz about town," Spalletti said. "There have been a lot of supporters turning up to watch us train and the tension is mounting. The crowd could play a fundamental role."
Positive approach
Roma are unbeaten in their last eight European home ties and while Lyon boast an impressive away record, Spalletti has instructed his players to be positive. "We won't play defensively," he insisted. "We'll try to win the ball quickly and spring forward in numbers. Lyon are experienced but we won't sit back and watch them play. We need to impose our style on them. We're ready to fight, and I'm convinced we have enough quality to win playing our usual way."
Milan memory
Captain Francesco Totti will lead the home attack, supported by the skilful trio of Mancini, Simone Perrotta and Taddei, as Roma seek to inflict more misery on Lyon on Italian soil. The French champions lost to AC Milan on their previous visit in last season's quarter-finals, and their coach GĂ©rard Houllier is counting on a better result. "The Milan defeat still hurts because it was cruel and unjust," he said. "But bad experiences like that make my players even more determined."
Sightseeing tour
Houllier was in relaxed mood having taken his squad on a sightseeing tour to the Vatican and the Colosseum on Tuesday morning, saying: "The vast majority of them didn't know Rome so I felt they should see this magnificent city." Yet the former France boss knows his side will need to be fully focused if they are to make the last eight for the fourth year running. "Roma are a hard team to play," Houllier said. "They are similar to Lyon in that they always try to be positive and have great quality in attack. But we will be ready. We've been through a difficult period lately but our play is improving and winning our last two matches has given us confidence."
Tiago struggling
With Tiago struggling to be fit, Kim Källström steps into the Lyon midfield. Roma, meanwhile, bring back Philippe Mexes after the Frenchman recovered from a foot injury but his central defensive partner Cristian Chivu is likely to miss out.
Probable teams
Roma: Doni; Christian Panucci, Matteo Ferrari, Philippe Mexes, Max Tonetto; David Pizarro, Daniele De Rossi; Taddei, Simone Perrotta, Mancini; Francesco Totti.
Lyon: Grégory Coupet; Anthony Réveillère, Sébastien Squillaci, Cris, Eric Abidal; Juninho Pernambucano, Jérémy Toulalan, Kim Källström; Sidney Govou, Florent Malouda, Fred.
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