Roma trying to script a ‘Roman tragedy’ for Basel

AS Roma’s fortune’s have turned for good. From faltering Roman giants and nearly becoming a Roman tragedy, the Stadio Olimpico tenants are looking to turn their season around following a mixed September and a torrid October month.

If Luciano Spalleti’s decision to step down was shocking, then the Giallorossi’s 2-0 defeat at St. Jakob-Park to FC Basel 1893 on Matchday 1 of Europa League would have been a hammer blow for the Roman faithful.

But after putting in a string of gritty displays, which includes a 1-1 draw against Internazionale Milano FC at the San Siro, the team now led by Claudio Ranieri is galloping fast in the right direction.

Even Ranieri feels that his team is different from the one that surrendered to Basel at St. Jakob-Park.

“I had just arrived,” said the former Chelsea and Juventus coach, who replaced Luciano Spalletti in September.

“That was not the real Roma – I hope Basel see it this time. We’re doing well, but I’ve told my players I’m not satisfied yet. We have to keep on doing good things and taking care of every small detail.”

However, with two matchdays remaining, four points separate the top three teams with Basel leading the way on nine points, Roma two points adrift and Fulham FC on five.

A win at the Stadio Olimpico will be priceless as it would take Roma through to the round of 32, regardless of how Fulham get on at home to PFC CSKA Sofia in the night’s other match, as Basel host the English side in their final fixture.

But the hope of achieving a victory also comes with added pressure of not conceding a defeat and Ranieri certainly knows that.

“We want to go through and we know if we lose we would almost be eliminated,” he said.

“We can’t underestimate this match; Basel are a great team and they have already beaten us. They deserved that victory, but now we need to win if we want to reach the next round. I don’t want my players to concede this time; that has been a problem for us this season.”

Even on the run of a five match unbeaten streak, Ranieri’s selection head-aches haven’t lessened.

Daniele De Rossi is doubtful as he recovers from a kidney infection and fractured cheekbone and the coach may also elect to leave out captain Francesco Totti and defender Juan.

Add to coach Thorsten Fink’s confidence of his Basel side making it through to the round of 32, the Stadio Olimpico will be treated to a highly competitive fixture, come Matchday 4 on Thursday night.

Fink knows the size of the task and has pledged not to give Roma an easy ride, regardless of who they field.

“We respect Roma, but we do not fear them,” he said.

“The Giallorossi are clear favourites to win the group, but we are the leaders and we’ll do our best to stay on top. Roma are much more better now than they were in the first match we played, but we want to make the most of our chances. We believe we can qualify.”