Roma v Astra Giurgiu: Three opposition players to watch

The reigning Romanian champions have already lost their opening fixture of the competition, so will be looking to bounce back at the Stadio Olimpico.

Here are three players from the Romanian side to look out for during the fixture.

Cristian Sapunaru

Joining in the summer from Pandurii Targu Jiu, the 32-year-old offers a real versatility to the squad – he can play anywhere along the back and also as a defensive midfielder.

Sapunaru could arguably be considered something of a weak link considering his advancing years, but the Romanian international covers this with the intelligence and work rate he provides throughout the match.

Whilst being utilised as a right-back, Sapunaru isn’t afraid to bomb forward on the flanks, already netting two league goals and one goal in the Europa League this season.

His vast experience – beyond his international caps, he has also played for the likes of Porto during his career - will also be invaluable to a squad that is not used to this stage. Having the most European experience within the squad, Sapunaru will know how big the match is come Thursday.

Constantin Budescu

After spending five years at Astra Giurgiu, Budescu completed a transfer to China at the start of February - but has returned to the Romanian club on loan this summer.

Budescu has already made an instant impact in his second spell, bagging two goals in the league as well as producing two assists in the Europa League for his new, old team.

Roma will have to get very tight defensively as soon as Budescu gets the ball, as he is considered the visitors’ biggest threat in attack – and delivered 12 goals and 10 assists last season.

The 27-year-old is known to be effective in the final third of the pitch and can be quite a specialist from set pieces, which could yet prove one of Astra’s most likely goalscoring avenues.

Denis Alibec

Since moving to Astra Giurgiu in 2014, Alibec has been a fantastic signing for the side, guiding them to the Romanian league title last season.

Alibec finished as the club’s top goal-scorer on 16 goals – as well as being one of the only two players to complete a hat trick in Liga I last season.

In terms of his attributes Alibec is technically gifted and has a habit of shooting on sight, something that often pays off for him. He will also be up for a physical battle against Roma’s centre-backs in attack and won’t be giving them a minute’s rest during the match.