Opinion: Roma show off new-found European resolve to set new path

After years of falling just short when it matters in Europe, Roma finally seemed to overcome their Champions League blues in their two-legged affair against Shakhtar Donetsk - taking the next step and joining Europe’s elite eight.

For the first time in ten years, the giallorossi qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals, a feat accomplished only three times before in the club’s history.

While last time they reached this stage they went out against Manchester United in regrettable fashion, don’t expect Roma to fold so easily this time around. Under Di Francesco, the side has demonstrated their resolve in crucial European clashes and haven’t faltered at key moments like in years past.

In fact, difficult times have brought the best out of them and their veteran leadership. When the groups were drawn in Monaco, and Roma were pitted in the group of death against Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, many discounted the Italian giants.

Roma, however, had no intention of bowing out of the competition early this year and secured impressive results: defeating Chelsea 3-0 before finishing atop the group, something no Roma side has done since 2009.

It’s always going to be a complicated affair in the Champions League, no matter who you draw in the last-16 – and that proved the case as Roma were paired with Shakhtar Donetsk. The Ukrainian side have dominated domestically for years and have always been a dark horse in Europe’s elite competition.

Coming off an impressive group stage that saw them beat both Napoli and Manchester City, Paulo Fonseca’s men came into these clashes with supreme confidence – and showed that as they came from behind to beat Roma 2-1 in the first leg in Kharkiv.

The stage was set for a tense night at the Olimpico. The first 45 minutes were perhaps rather tame, with the giallorossi conceding most of possession to their Ukrainian counterparts. Despite sitting back, Alisson was rarely called into action and Roma looked comfortable waiting to hit the opposition on the counter.

Needing a goal, Di Francesco urged his men forward in the second half threatening Shakhtar’s back four, without compromising defensive solidity. Then came the breakthrough Roma were looking for. Following a typical defence-splitting run by Dzeko, the Bosnian latched onto a Strootman long ball and slotted home expertly past a helpless Pyatov.

In the minutes that followed, Roma weathered the storm expertly demonstrating a level of pragmatism and pedigree needed to succeed in Europe. In the past, the giallorossi’s inexperience has caused them to struggle in moments like this, but nothing of the sort would occur last night. Led by a brilliant Daniele De Rossi, Roma saw the game out and maintained their undefeated home record in the Champions League, progressing to the next round with aplomb.

Put simply, it was among the most professional displays Roma have put together on the European stage in quite some time; a true Italian job, by every sense of the expression.

Having yet to concede a goal at home after having played the likes of Chelsea, Atletico and Shakhtar - a stat that will undoubtedly make Allison happy - Roma can go into the quarter-finals with newfound self-belief and confidence. More importantly, Di Francesco has been able to instil a mentality conducive with success in Europe, something managers before him have struggled with.

While it will only get harder from here on out playing against Europe’s super-clubs, Roma can now go into these games knowing they can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone in the competition. Frankly, it’s never been a question of talent at Roma. Instead, it has been their resolve that’s been deemed problematic over the years.

Now, however, that Di Francesco has his side demonstrating a newfound sense of determination and confidence, there’s no telling where the giallorossi could go.