Opinion: Underdog Roma go into Barcelona clash with nothing to lose

With the first instalment of their quarter-final duel with Barcelona taking place at the famous Camp Nou, Roma will be looking to upset the Catalans on their home turf - a tall task for any side.

Yet, while Ernesto Valverde’s men have played some scintillating football this season - led by none other than Leo Messi - the openness of the game perhaps suits the Giallorossi, and could help them leave Spain with a positive result.

After emerging from this year’s edition of the group of death featuring the likes of Chelsea and Atletico Madrid and expertly dispatching Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk in the Round of 16, Roma are going into this clash aware of their quality and with nothing to lose. Up against arguably the best team and player in the world, Di Francesco will welcome the underdog tag as it has suited his side wonderfully in the Champions League this season.

Roma winger Stephan El Shaarawy noted as much, when he spoke to UEFA’s official website this week.

"Everyone says we're not the favourites and that's the truth,” he said. “However, nobody gave us much of a chance of getting out of the group so we've got to forget about what people think.”

This clash will differ immensely from what Roma usually encounter in Serie A, but ironically, that’s where the giallorossi could benefit. On a typical Sunday, Di Francesco’s men come up against sides sitting deep, looking to capitalise on any mistake and are often given the lion’s share of possession.

On Wednesday against Barcelona, the roles will be reversed. This season, the Spanish giants average 60.7% possession at the Camp Nou – an illustration of how they like to control games that Roma will be very aware of.

That being said, this will afford the Giallorossi the opportunity to assume the role of the deep block side and hurt Barcelona on the break. This season, Roma have had success setting up like this, seen most clearly in the recent clashes with Chelsea and Napoli.

In these games, Roma conceded much of the possession – or, at least, were engaged in a tussle for territorial dominance with their opponents - and with the opposition pressing forward found more space than usual in which to attack. Despite the equal rise in pressure faced (and from attackers of the highest order), Di Francesco’s men held firm on both occasions - emerging victorious both times, and scoring seven goals in the process.

Barcelona will be wary Roma’s capacity in this respect, but will still try to impose their style of play as they normally do at home. After all, it’s what has led them to the pinnacle of European football.

While Di Francesco’s gameplan may have taken a turn for the worse with Radja Nainggolan’s knock at the weekend against Bologna, the Giallorossi still have all the necessary tools to hurt Barcelona come Wednesday.

With Diego Perotti and Stephan El Shaarawy on the wings, Roma should have opportunities to take advantage of Barcelona’s advanced fullbacks and feed Edin Dzeko.

The Bosnian international has led the line to perfection on his own in these types of clashes and will prove to be a handful for Gerard Piqué and Samuel Umtiti.

Factor in Alisson - one of Europe’s most in-form goalkeepers - and Daniele De Rossi - Roma’s midfield anchor - and suddenly there’s reason to think Barcelona won’t have things all their own way.

What’s also important to consider is that Roma have the advantage of returning home for the second leg, where they remain undefeated in the Champions League this season. Roma don’t necessarily need to win to secure a positive result; as long as they keep the first leg close.

A high-scoring draw would be equally as favourable as a narrow victory. After making it this far, Roma have no intention of stopping now and will look to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time since 1984, long before the Champions League existed in its current format.

Confident in their ability, the Giallorossi arrive in Catalonia with nothing to lose and little to fear. If they can come away from the Camp Nou on Wednesday still in the tie, they know they will have a full Olimpico to cheer them the rest of the way the following week.