The View from the Opposition: CFR Cluj

Alexandru Tentu, 24, is a commentator for Radio Romania Actualitati, one of the leading radio stations in Romania.

Here's what he had to say about the Romanian champions...

Roma supporters remember Dan Petrescu as a decent former Serie A player: what is he like as a coach?

“He was a very offensive defender, but as a coach he is very cautious, especially in UEFA competitions. Dan Petrescu could be likened to some Italian coaches from the past. His main goal is to keep a clean sheet, the attacking play is based on long balls and second balls and on the touchline he is always very angry on his players, staff or referees.

"Petrescu is well-respected in the dressing room because he works a lot before the games and he is also a very good motivator.”

Cluj have faced Roma four times in their history already: which Roma player impressed you the most in those meetings, apart from Francesco Totti?

“About the games from 2008, I still have some Panini stickers with AS Roma players: Doni, Juan, De Rossi, Aquilani, Mancini etc. Two years after that, CFR Cluj faced once again AS Roma in UEFA Champions League and I remember that Simone Perrotta was a good player in those days."

How well known and how popular are Roma in Romania?

“Considering just Italian football, AS Roma is one of the most famous clubs in Romania. Recently I saw a Romanian AS Roma fan club on social media, but the last time I saw an AS Roma t-shirt in Bucharest was 15 years ago, when Christian Chivu was your defender.

“I could also tell you about my story with AS Roma. I was born in 1995, so the first time I saw a Roma game was in the 2000s. I grew up watching strikers like Montella, Batistuta or Cassano playing under Fabio Capello. Few years ago I was an admirer of Roma's midfield, with Pjanic, Strootman and Nainggolan covered by De Rossi.”

What are Cluj's main strengths?

“First of all, offensive set pieces. About half the goals scored by CFR Cluj are from corners, free kicks and penalties. The players are very strong in duels and tactically are well prepared. Petrescu's defensive line is hard to break because the wingers and the midfielders are running a lot to cover every zone in their own third.”

What formation and tactics do you think will be used by Petrescu on Thursday?

“The line-up will look like this: Balgradean in goal, Susic on the right, Camora on the left, Burca and Manea (moved from the right back position, because Vinicius and Cestor are injured) as center backs, Hoban in front of the defence, Djokovic and Paun as central midfielders, Deac on the left, Rondon on the right (he is actually a striker) and Debeljuh (one and a half year ago he was in Serie D) up front.

“I also think that Dan Petrescu will play for a draw and the players will stay in their own half, waiting for Roma to attack. The offensive play will be based on long balls for Debeljuh, who will try to find his teammates. Also, all CFR Cluj's players will try to obtain freekicks and corner kicks."

Which is the Cluj player that Roma should keep an eye on most?

“Maybe your expectations were to hear about an offensive player, but at CFR Cluj you will not find a player who could dribble or pass the ball like Pastore or Mkhitaryan. In these conditions, my choice is the center back Andrei Burca. He is an old-fashioned centre back: tall, strong, good in the air and on 1v1, delivering decent long balls, but not so good with the ball on the ground and not very fast. His problem could be the absence of the center back Vinicius."

Which Roma player would Cluj supporters prefer not to play against on Thursday?

“Edin Dzeko for sure, especially because the right back Manea will have to play as a center back”.

What is your prediction for the match?

“I think it will be 2-0 to Roma, if Paulo Fonseca rotates his team again like he did in the last two group matches. If he goes with the side that beat Fiorentina, it could be 3-0."