Champions League semi-finals: Roma scouting report

How they got here

P10 W5 D2 L3 F15 A12

Group C winners: D0-0 v Atlético (h), W1-2 v Qarabağ (a), D3-3 v Chelsea (a), W3-0 v Chelsea (h), L2-0 v Atlético (a), W1-0 v Qarabağ (h)

Round of 16: D2-2 v Shakhtar, won on away goals – L2-1 (a), W1-0 (h)

Quarter-finals: D4-4 v Barcelona, won on away goals – L4-1 (a), W3-0 (h)

Possible starting XI

Alisson Becker; Florenzi, Manolas, Fazio, Kolarov; Strootman, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Cengiz Ünder, Džeko, Perotti

Style of play

Attacking rather than defending; acting rather than reacting – these are key mantras of Roma's game. With both full-backs keen to overlap, Roma's approach is all-assault with the main aim of getting the ball to Edin Džeko; and if that fails Cengiz Ünder and Diego Perotti are encouraged to cut inside and shoot.

Top Fantasy point scorers

Forward: Edin Džeko (54 points)
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker (45 points)
Defender: Aleksandar Kolarov (43 points)

The coach

Eusebio Di Francesco: A blend of Zdeněk Zeman and Fabio Capello, the former Roma midfielder performed miracles with US Sassuolo – leading them into the Italian top flight for the first time, and subsequently the UEFA Europa League. The 48-year-old is further enhancing his reputation in the Eternal City.

Why might they win it?

Of the remaining sides, Roma have the least pressure on their shoulders, and yet belief is hardly lacking at the club. They are thriving on keeping a low profile. Any team capable of beating Chelsea and Barcelona 3-0, and eliminating Atlético Madrid in the group stage, have to be considered serious candidates.

Room for improvement?

Yet to concede in five #UCL home games this season, the Giallorossi have not scored that many either. Nine of their 15 strikes so far came in three matches against Chelsea and Barcelona. Being more clinical is where his side have most room for improvement, according to Di Francesco.

What you didn't know already

Roma are the only semi-finalist still to be crowned European champions: Real Madrid have won the European Cup 12 times, Bayern and Liverpool five each. The Giallorossi would become the 23rd name on the trophy. What's more, Roma have won just three league titles compared with Madrid's 33, Bayern's 28 and Liverpool's 18.