Opinion: Intriguing clash of styles points towards semi-final classic

When the Giallorossi take on Liverpool in the first installment of the Champions League semi-finals – or as ‘the Boston derby’, as it was dubbed by Roma president James Pallota - the stakes could not be higher.

A free-scoring outfit by nature, Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool led by familiar foe Mohamed Salah will prove to be a handful. With a spot in the Champions League final on the line, Di Francesco’s men will be raring to go at Anfield.

This season, or at least in its most recent weeks, Roma have displayed tactical versatility and have alternated between a back three and four depending on the opposition. In their 3-0 triumph over Barcelona, Di Francesco swapped his preferred 4-3-3 for a 3-4-2-1 and reaped the rewards of his bold decision.

Opting to deploy a high line and press the Spaniards up the pitch, the Italian tactician successfully suffocated support to Barcelona’s forwards – Lionel Messi included - and limited focal point Luis Suarez to 33 touches and no shots on target.

With Manolas leading the way, in the Champions League this season Roma are yet to concede a goal at home and, as a result, remain undefeated at the Stadio Olimpico (their only draw coming in their competition opener, against Atletico Madrid). The Greek international has formed a formidable partnership alongside Fazio and Juan Jesus, with the 26-year-old’s pace proving to be a significant asset in this back three setup.

“We played with a 3-4-2-1 or a 3-4-3. A lot of thought was put into that decision, and it played to the team’s strengths,” said Di Francesco. “The 4-3-3 helped us to get to the quarter-finals in the first place, though.”

Alisson’s play has also been a factor behind Roma’s newfound solidity in Europe. Acting as a sweeper keeper, the Brazilian’s anticipation has helped Roma’s backline immensely in cutting out dangerous through balls, registering seven clearances in the Champions League this season. Against Liverpool, Alisson and co. will have to be proactive in order to stifle their English counterparts.

While Roma will be feeling ready for anything after eliminating tournament favourites Barcelona, Liverpool represent a unique challenge. Led by the lethal front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané, the Reds have been sensational in the final third: scoring 33 goals in their ten Champions League clashes, six more than any other team.

With Klopp at the helm, Liverpool have established a clear identity playing under one simple tenet: Win the ball back as soon as it is lost. The Premier League giants play at a breakneck pace, pressing the opposition intensely and hitting them on the break when they are most vulnerable.

The German’s gegenpressing system has largely proved successful throughout his reign and has turned his side into one of the world’s most devastating counter-attacking teams in football. Just recently in their 3-0 win against Bournemouth, Liverpool scored their 300th goal in Klopp’s 148th game in charge.

On Tuesday Roma – whose own pressing approach is perhaps not dissimilar - will have to look to bypass Liverpool’s charge, and could use Edin Dzeko as an outlet as they have recently.

The Bosnian international has been crucial in Roma’s European run this season, scoring decisive goals in each of the giallorossi’s last three games in the Champions League. Outside of his impact on the scoresheet, Dzeko has linked up the attack brilliantly and has acted as a reliable target man, helping alleviate pressure in tight affairs.

“I love having him on our team. You saw what he did against Barcelona, they couldn’t control him - he was a monster,” said Pallota when discussing Dzeko’s accomplished performance against the Spaniards.

Against Barcelona, the striker was a constant nuisance, occupying Gerard Piqué and Samuel Umtiti throughout and winning five aerial duels in the process. Dzeko will once again need to be at his best against Virgil van Dijk as the Dutch defender will look to be his typically dominant self.

With both teams firing on all cylinders going into this clash, the first instalment of the ‘Boston Derby’ promises to be a memorable one.

While there’s almost nothing to split Roma and Liverpool, one thing’s for certain: No matter the result, their differing approaches to the game will make for a compelling and open tie.