Six things you need to know about Celta Vigo

1. 1982 World Cup

Despite Roma having only played against Celta Vigo once, the Balaidos Stadium may be more familiar to older fans. The 29,000-seater stadium played host to Italy’s group matches during the 1982 World Cup - which Italy went on to win. Roma legend Bruno Conti scored at the Balaidos in Italy’s 1-1 draw against Peru.

2. Roma last met Celta 17 year ago

Roma’s visit to Celta Vigo on Sunday comes 17 years after their first and only meeting. Roma visited the Balaidos in 2000, playing in the Quinocho Memorial Trophy, a match in which new coach Eusebio Di Francesco featured in as a player for the Giallorossi.

3. Under new management

Roma aren’t the only side under new management ahead of the new season. Following a successful run to the semi-finals in the Europa League – Celta’s furthest ever run in the competition – manager Eduardo Berizzo joined Roma’s last opponents, Sevilla, at the end of the campaign. Celta are now under the management of former Barcelona assistant manager, Juan Carlos Unzue.

4. Disappointing pre-season

A win for the home side would prove a real confidence boost for Celta, with Roma’s visit to the Balaidos being their last match before they begin their La Liga campaign. The Galician side are yet to win in a full match so far this pre-season, with their only victory coming against Sporting Gijon in a 45-minute match of a round-robin tournament. This compares to Roma who have lost just one match this pre-season.

5. Struggling defensively

Celta Vigo have struggled defensively so far this pre-season, conceding in all but one of their matches. The Celta defence has come unstuck when placed under pressure from opposition attacks, being caught unaware and unprepared by counter-attacks on several occasions. Roma could be able to take advantage of this through a strength in attack, where Gregoire Defrel’s pace could prove deadly.

6. They may not take many shots but they are clinical

During the pre-season, Celta haven’t shown the attacking prominence that they displayed during their run to the Europa League semi-finals. But, despite not creating many chances, the Galician side have been efficient in front of goal, as illustrated in their pre-season match against Bayer Leverkusen, netting three goals from just five shots. Roma be warned, Celta are clinical in front of goal when given the chance.