Jose Mourinho gets his Roma reign underway with a Europa Conference League fixture against Trabzonspor on Thursday night.
Both clubs, who will feel that they are capable of having an extended run in the competition, will be keen to gain an advantage before the reverse fixture at Stadio Olimpico next week.
Match preview
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Having been named as the new Roma boss earlier this summer, Mourinho's priority will be on taking full advantage of a favourable start to the new Serie A campaign.
However, the Portuguese is aware that he can ill-afford an early exit from Europe at a time when he is looking to rebuild his managerial career.
Roma have been productive in the transfer market this summer, the additions of Rui Patricio and Eldor Shomurodov being followed by the arrival of Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham.
While this game may come too soon for the England international, it is a statement of intent from a club who only earned seventh place in Serie A last season courtesy of goal difference.
I Giallorossi are the clear favourites to prevail from this two-legged contest, but they cannot underestimate a Trabzonspor side who have three competitive games under their belt.
Although the Black Sea Storm required penalties to overcome Molde in the previous round, they posted a 5-1 victory over Yeni Malatyaspor at the weekend.
The arrivals of Marek Hamsik, Gervinho and former Roma defender Bruno Peres have given this squad an experienced look to it as they bid to challenge for the Turkish title.
There is a feeling that Abdullah Avci has put together a group of players that can also emerge as the dark horses of this competition if they can cause the surprise of the playoff round.
However, Trabzonspor have gone nine matches without winning a European match during normal time, a stark reminder of the task which awaits them on Thursday.
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Team News
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Barring any fitness issues, Avci is likely to name the same Trabzonspor XI that started the game at the weekend.
Gervinho, another former Roma man, is well rested after his withdrawal at the break, leaving Andreas Cornelius to remain on the substitutes' bench.
Mourinho could stick with the Roma side that hit five goals during a friendly with Raja Casablanca on Saturday.
That would see Patricio, Matias Vina and Shomurodov all handed their competitive debuts, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan featuring in a central creative role.
If Abraham is part of the travelling squad, the £34m signing will almost certainly be selected among the replacements.
Trabzonspor possible starting lineup:
Cakir; Peres, Ie, Hugo, Koybasi; Bakasetas, Ozdemir, Hamsik; Gervinho, Djaniny, Nwakaeme
Roma possible starting lineup:
Patricio; Karsdorp, Mancini, Smalling, Vina; Cristante, Veretout; Zaniolo, Mkhitaryan, El Shaarawy; Shomurodov
We say: Trabzonspor 1-1 Roma
Having already played a number of competitive fixtures this season, Trabzonspor will feel as though they have an edge in this contest.
Nevertheless, Roma's extra quality should earn them at least a share of the spoils ahead of the second leg.
Darren Plant
