View from the opposition: Montreal Impact

Following Roma's 2-1 victory over Liverpool in St.Louis on Monday, the squad’s North American tour will begin to wind down tonighht with a different type of challenge against MLS side Montreal Impact.

Sofiane Benzaza from KAN Football Club gives us the lowdown on what Roma can expect...

Do you think playing friendlies against the likes of Roma is important for Montreal Impact?

“There is a symbolic importance in playing big European clubs though having an MLS game three days later is problematic. At the end of the day, Montreal Impact has always taken these games seriously even though it is expected to see healthy mix of starters, players looking for minutes and highly-touted Academy players. Since joining the MLS, the Impact has faced the French giant, Olympique Lyonnais, at Stade Saputo - it ended in a 1-1 draw with Lyon winning 4-2 on penalties."

Is there a big Roma following within the Montreal fans?

"With a big Italian community in Montreal, Serie A clubs have a strong following in the city – but it goes beyond the Italian-Montrealer rekindling his roots to the homeland. With Serie A being a top league and a very popular in a city that has a strong football culture, Serie A also reaches the fan of the beautiful game."

What do Montreal fans think of Francesco Totti?

“Francesco Totti is one of the most emblematic Serie A stars and one of the best offensive players of his generation. His loyalty to the only club he knows has gone beyond the continent while playing for the same club for almost 25 years. The Montreal fan is so in love with Totti that his name is always mentioned to join Montreal when the transfer market opens. Wishful thinking maybe but is there any harm in hoping President Pallotta and President Saputo start talking? Though seemingly, he will never leave his AS Roma, Montreal Impact fans still keep a glimmer of hope to see Totti wear the Impact colours.”

How have Montreal been doing this season?

“It's a mixed bag so far but mostly positive for the team led by Mauro Biello. With such parity in MLS, the Impact currently stands 5th in the Eastern Conference, just 6 points behind the leader New York City FC. The potential on both the offensive and defensive side have raised the bar and expectations towards the club that is building for a MLS Cup (the equivalent to the Scudetto) in the near future. However, though the midfield works hard, it needs more punch and efficiency.”

Who will Montreal’s danger men be?

“Didier Drogba and Ignacio Piatti. The Ivorian striker needs no introduction as he has permanently inflicted damage on many MLS defenders and goalkeepers. When in sync with Piatti, Drogba seems to be 10 years younger and will not stop. Piatti is one the best players in MLS this season, potential candidate to the 2016 MVP trophy and has already scored 12 goals. He is not even a striker per-say.”

If you could add one player from Roma, who would you pick and why?

“Outside of Francesco Totti, Radja Nainggolan has the perfect profile to fit in any midfield in the world - especially MLS. His versatility, technical skills and athletic abilities really puts him among the most underrated centre midfielders in the world.”

Tactically, what set up do you expect?

“The Impact plays a classic 4-2-3-1 that might transform itself into a 4-3-3 depending on the personnel on the pitch.”

What’s your final score prediction?

“AS Roma also takes their pre-season games seriously so I will go for 3-2 to Roma.”