AS Roma analysis ahead of Barcelona clash

Although they were third seeds, Roma have a decent side. Rudi Garcia, the coach, has experimented and the team are growing. They finished second in Serie A last season.

They were Barcelona's most recent opponents in the Joan Gamper Trophy, which the hosts won 3-0, thanks to goals from Neymar, Messi and Rakitic. However, that game will be quite different to what happens in the group phase. 

Garcia's side use a 4-3-3 and have some fine players. Francesco Totti is more than a captain, he's an idol and a fans favourite. Former Barcelona players Seydou Keita and Iago Falque are there.

On top of Falque, they've also signed Mohamed Salah from Chelsea and Edin Dzeko from Manchester City, plus Lucas Digne from PSG. 

Roma, like Barcelona, started their season with a 1-1 draw, against Hellas Verona. 

Stadium

Olympic Stadium (72,698 spectators). Barcelona return to the place they won their third Champions League, in 2009, beating Manchester United 2-0.

Coach

Rudi Garcia. Born February 20, 1964. Been in charge since 2013-14. Hasn't won a title but finished behind only Juventus last season. Was named the best coach of Serie A in 2014.

Star man

Francesco Totti. Born September 27, 1976. His 24th season in the team. He's 38, almost 39, but wants to continue until he hits 40.

Previous clashes

Champions 2001-2002

Group stage: FC Barcelona-Roma 1-1

Group stage: Roma-FC Barcelona 3-0