How Roma could line up against Real Madrid

Last season's beaten semi-finalists Roma will look to build on their success of that campaign when they get their Champions League charge up and running with a trip to reigning champions Real Madrid.

The Giallorossi topped a group containing Chelsea and Atletico Madrid in 2017-18 before memorably overcoming Barcelona en route to the last four, where they lost to Liverpool.

Expectations are a little lower this time around, however, as the Italian side have collected just five points from their opening four Serie A matches and are in need of a boost.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Eusebio di Francesco may set out his side for Wednesday's trip to the Spanish capital.

Out: Javier Pastore

Roma will definitely be without Pastore for their Group G opener as the summer signing is struggling with a muscular problem that also kept him out of the 2-2 draw with Chievo at the weekend.

Daniele De Rossi was used from the bench in that most recent league outing, but the defensive midfielder is not expected to start at the Bernabeu, putting extra pressure on Steven N'Zonzi in front of the back four.

Should De Rossi miss out, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante are likely to retain their spots in a midfield three, with the latter most at risk of dropping out if Di Eusebio can recall his inspirational skipper.

The recent return to fitness of Alessandro Florenzi has provided a welcome boost, meanwhile, and up top the visitors can call upon Edin Dzeko, who netted a hat-trick when Roma put four unanswered goals past Villarreal on a recent visit to Spain.

> Click here to see how Real Madrid could line up for this fixture