Christian Panucci believes Roma are favourites over CSKA Moscow today, but that the Russians carry confidence and danger too.
Christian Panucci believes Roma are favourites over CSKA Moscow today, but that the Russians carry confidence and danger too.
The fifth matchday of the Champions League group stage sees the Giallorossi in Russia looking for a victory that could all but secure their place in the Last 16 of the competition.
Whilst the reverse fixture finished 5-1 to Roma, one of their former players, who was until recently working alongside Fabio Capello in the Russian national team, has warned that this evening will not be the same.
“At the Olimpico CSKA’s defence did not do well, but this time it will be a different game,” Panucci has told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Ignashevich and Berezutski, the two centre-backs, are not very fast, but they have played together for many years and have great experience.
“Do CSKA really believe they can progress? I will say only this – a few weeks ago with the national team, I spoke to a few of their players, who told me: ‘We will progress with eight points’, calculating for a win over Roma and a draw in Munich.
“But there can be no delusion. The Germans are aware of them – although they have already qualified, they will play to win, as always.”
Panucci was asked where the encouragement can come for Roma.
“Playing without fans can be a handicap for CSKA, the fans help them a lot. And then they have an Achilles heel – they are quite weak in defending set-pieces, not to mention that in the League they are not going through a great moment.
“Are Roma almost assured then? Not at all. The Giallorossi are favourites, but first of all the CSKA players are accustomed to the cold temperatures, and this is important.
“Eremenko and Musa, then, are players who can trouble anyone. And let’s not forget there is also Doubmia, technically not a phenomenon, but he has great strength in his legs.
“How do you beat CSKA? First, in using their speed, because in Russia generally the game is played at a lower pace. And then, in using their experience.”
Speculation is that Rudi Garcia could line his players up in a 4-4-2 shape to make up for the shortage of defenders.
“The choices are down to him, but I would not want to destabilise the team. You would be sending the group a message of weakness.”