7-1.

No Romanista can forget it.

Back in April, after losing at the Stadio Olimpico, Manchester United hosted Roma and gave our Giallorossi a reception that still stings.

Now, five months later, divine intervention (that’s what I’m calling it) has put Roma in the same Champions League group as the “Red Devils,” subsequently guaranteeing the Giallorossi a chance – just a chance – to return what was given to them when they travel to Old Trafford once again.

To be certain, Il Capitano (and yes, there is only one) and company have their work cut out for them, and if you read most of the previews out there, the cards are stacked against Roma.

But are they?

Although Manchester United will be without their starting ‘keeper Van der Sar, the team has won five out of six matches in September, hasn’t lost at all at home, and can of course point to last season’s encounter at Old Trafford as evidence of their apparent superiority over Roma.

Roma, on the other hand, have won only half of their six September matches, most recently drawing with both Juventus and Fiorentina, and losing to Inter – at home (ouch) – 4-1. To make matters worse, with “7-1” still ringing in their ears, it looks as though Perrotta and Aquilani will be watching from the bench.

Despite all of this (and here’s the part where everybody will write me off as crazy), I’m still hopeful.

I’m still hopeful because over the years I’ve learned that Italian teams – both club and national – live and die based on their motivation, or lack thereof. That said, a highly motivated Roma is a world more formidable than one that plays to “not lose,” and if the last meeting between these two teams – on top of yesterday’s loss to Inter – doesn’t light a fire under Roma’s collective ass, thus providing said motivation, then I don’t know what will. Roma has vital weapons at its disposal, most importantly its menacing, revolving door (a.k.a. “here comes the team picture”) attack. If we bring our whole armory… along with the aforementioned motivation, we could catch the “Red Devils” napping atop their laurels – which I think they very well may be, given the history behind these two teams.

Then, if all goes well, and our Giallorossi show Old Trafford what they can really do, we’ll be able to enjoy it all the more when Manchester United visits Stadio Olimpico once again, and has the opportunity to enjoy hospitality of the Roman variety:

Categories: Champions League, Roma