View from the Opposition: Austria Wien aim to conjure something on the counter

They now face Austria Wien, who have started with the same pair of results, at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, who have followed with the same results. In this clash of the two early front-runners in the group, the Giallorossi will be hoping to open up a gap between them and their rivals.

In order to learn more about our Austrian opponents, we spoke to Oliver Grimm from Die Presse about the match-up.

Austria Wien reached the group stages for the Europa League this season, what was their qualifying route?

“They beat Spartak Trnava and Rosenborg to get into the group stage.”

What expectation is around this team for this competition?

“Not to get savaged by Roma. Joking aside: the team's performances are still a bit sketchy so far this season, especially on the defensive side. Realistically, they might make it to the next round behind Roma, and then we'll see what they can do.”

How have Austria Wien been getting on in their domestic league?

“So-so. Very shoddy defending, and they got beaten comfortably by both Red Bull Salzburg and Rapid Vienna, 4-1 both times. They seem to be getting a bit more solid, but I fear still too much hinges on whether Raphael Holzhauser (our No. 6) and Alexander Grünwald (our No. 10) have a good day.”

What was the transfer window like for Austria?

“Not too spectacular. The most important signings: German-Croatian centre-half Petar Filipovic and Brazilian winger Felipe Pires. And they brought back young winger Ismael Tajouri-Shradi who was on loan - he's been scoring and assisting quite regularly since.”

Which players could make an impact against Roma?

“Our Nigerian striker Olarenwanju Kayode is very quick, so on a counter-attack he might be a danger. Grünwald, as mentioned, has a sweet left foot on set pieces, while Holzhauser can also deliver a dangerous ball too.

“Back-up striker Kevin Friesenbichler, a former Bayern Munich prospect, has been quite dangerous on occasion. And keep an eye on the small Brazilian winger Lucas Venuto, he keeps finding a way through defensive lines.”

What sort of tactical set-up could we see from Austria Wien in this match?

“I have no clue. Usually, it's a 4-2-3-1, with Holzhauser dropping between the two centre-halves and the full backs Martschinko and Stryger Larsen moving up. But I’m not sure if they are going to be brave enough to use this against a strong team like Roma.”

How do Austria Wien fans view Roma? And what have they made of the Roma's transfer window?

“No clue. There's a sentimental veneration of the club, though, given that our club icon Herbert Prohaska was part of the great Roma team of the early 1980s.”

If you could add one player from Roma to Austria Wien's squad, who would it be?

“Radja Nainggolan. He's a machine. Very impressive workload. The glue in Roma's midfield, or am I exaggerating?”

What is your score prediction for the game?

“1-1. But then again, I'm a life-long optimist!”

Follow @james_gooderson and @grimmse on Twitter.