After finishing a comfortable second place in their group to Manchester United, Roma have the misfortune to face the reigning English Champions for the fifth and sixth times in two years when they face them over two legs in this seasons quarter-finals.

On paper, at least, Roma pose a considerable threat. Their squad bristles with internationals, seven of which have World Cup Winners medals, so they have the experience to go all the way.

Roma’s principle weaknesses, though, are in key positions. Doni, their Brazilian goalkeeper, like so many other South American goalkeepers, is as capable of astonishing stops as he is of similarly astonishing howlers. Facing the likes of Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez, it seems unlikely that he will manage to keep a clean-sheet. Further, with the likes of Panucci and Cicinho at full-back, though both talented players, Panucci in particular is not the force that he once was and potentially being faced by the greatest wide players in the world in the next two rounds, it is not hard to imagine Ronaldo, Henry or Ronaldinho ripping the Italian international apart.

In the centre of defence Roma are solid, but not spectacular. Mexes has never quite developed into the player he promised to be, whilst Juan, though a consistent feature in the Brazilian national team since 2002, has never quite made it up into the ‘world-class’ bracket.

Upfront their top scorer is, yet again, Francesco Totti, with thirteen goals to his name in all competitions this campaign. Totti is a Roma legend, and has won every medal in the game bar the Champions League. Unfortunately, I don’t think his Champions League duck will ever be broken. Despite still possessing the skill and vision that has been such a trademark of his play, he is much less mobile than he used to be, and as such is prone to being frozen out of matches.

It’s hard to see Roma going all the way in this seasons Champions League, or indeed getting past United in the next round. Spalletti, the coach, doesn’t seem to have the talent of some of Europe’s top managers, and whilst Roma’s squad does have talent, it simply does not have enough to handle the strength all over the pitch of Manchester United, or even Barcelona – should they somehow get to the semi-finals. Still, with Totti in the side there is always the chance of a moment of brilliance that could unlock any defence, unfortunately, with Roma’s defence, it may well be more than one moment of brilliance that is required.

Blue Square betting odds to win Champions League:  100/1