The Serie A club’s president is optimistic ahead of his side’s Champions League tie with the European champions and believes Edin Dzeko can make the difference
James Pallotta is confident Roma are capable of defeating European champions Barcelona if they perform to their maximum on Wednesday.
The Serie A side are preparing to open their Champions League campaign at the Stadio Olimpico against Barca, who are coached by their former boss Luis Enrique.
Roma have started the season well and remain unbeaten in Serie A after three games, including a win over Juventus, and club president Pallota believes Edin Dzeko’s arrival has been a massive boost to the squad.
“If we play the game tactically right, then even a team like Barcelona are beatable,” Pallotta told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“With Dzeko we have the great centre-forward we have been lacking for 10 to 12 years. Francesco Totti is great, but having a big centre forward to play as a poacher is different.
“Francesco is still in great shape. Hopefully he will stay with us for life and remain a significant part of Roma.
“During the last three years, we have constantly sought to evolve and get better and better but it is almost impossible to do so well in such a short time.”