AS Roma's combative midfielder Daniele De Rossi will end his playing career at the club after 18 years, during which he made 615 appearances and scored 63 goals in all competitions.

The club confirmed in a statement that Roma's final game of the season - at home to Parma - would be his last for the club he joined as a teenager in 2000.

Roma added that he would continue his playing career elsewhere.

"We will all shed tears when he pulls on the Giallorossi (yellow-and-red) shirt for the last time against Parma but we respect his desire to prolong his playing career - even if, at almost 36, it will be away from Rome," said club president James Pallotta.

"I'd like to thank Daniele for his incredible dedication to this club and ensure him that our doors will remain open for him to return to the club in a new role whenever he wants",&nbsp;Pallotta said.

He won two Coppa Italia titles with Roma in 2007 and 2008 although the nearest he came to a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-win-eighth-consecutive-serie-a-title-212170&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiR27yz5priAhUe4XMBHX_BBLwQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1zzbmeraLvzUc8Y7RyURAG">Serie A title</a> was in 2010 when Roma led the table with four games to go but were overhauled by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/jurgen-klopps-mentality-behind-liverpools-historic-comeback-says-jose-mourinho-216931&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIs5La5priAhW0heYKHTjYCBQQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GSVv3t4xeqvECI08q3CIP">Jose Mourinho's</a> Inter Milan.

De Rossi also played 117 games for Italy, making him their fourth most-capped player, and came on as a second-half substitute in the 2006 World Cup final where they beat France on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

De Rossi missed most of that tournament, however, as he was given a four-match suspension for elbowing an opponent in their opening game against the United States.

He was also sent off nine times playing for AS Roma although there is far more to De Rossi than aggression, as he is famous for his vision, passing ability and eye for goal.

A graduate of the club's academy and a Roma supporter during his childhood, he made his debut in the 2001-02 season.

"For 18 years, Daniele has been the beating heart of AS Roma's team," added Pallotta.

"From his debut in 2001 to taking on the responsibility of the captain's armband, he always represented the Roma fans on the pitch with pride as he established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe",&nbsp;club president said.

AS Roma's combative midfielder Daniele De Rossi will end his playing career at the club after 18 years, during which he made 615 appearances and scored 63 goals in all competitions.

AS Roma's combative midfielder Daniele De Rossi will end his playing career at the club after 18 years, during which he made 615 appearances and scored 63 goals in all competitions. The club confirmed in a statement that Roma's final game of the season - at home to Parma - would be his last for the club he joined as a teenager in 2000. Roma added that he would continue his playing career elsewhere. "We will all shed tears when he pulls on the Giallorossi (yellow-and-red) shirt for the last time against Parma but we respect his desire to prolong his playing career - even if, at almost 36, it will be away from Rome," said club president James Pallotta. "I'd like to thank Daniele for his incredible dedication to this club and ensure him that our doors will remain open for him to return to the club in a new role whenever he wants", Pallotta said. He won two Coppa Italia titles with Roma in 2007 and 2008 although the nearest he came to a Serie A title was in 2010 when Roma led the table with four games to go but were overhauled by Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan. De Rossi also played 117 games for Italy, making him their fourth most-capped player, and came on as a second-half substitute in the 2006 World Cup final where they beat France on penalties after a 1-1 draw. De Rossi missed most of that tournament, however, as he was given a four-match suspension for elbowing an opponent in their opening game against the United States. He was also sent off nine times playing for AS Roma although there is far more to De Rossi than aggression, as he is famous for his vision, passing ability and eye for goal. A graduate of the club's academy and a Roma supporter during his childhood, he made his debut in the 2001-02 season. "For 18 years, Daniele has been the beating heart of AS Roma's team," added Pallotta. "From his debut in 2001 to taking on the responsibility of the captain's armband, he always represented the Roma fans on the pitch with pride as he established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe", club president said.

AS Roma's midfielder Daniele De Rossi to leave the club after 18 years

Napoli ripped AS Roma's defence to shreds as they handed the hosts an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday and piled on the problems for recently-appointed coach Claudio Ranieri.

Roma began the game in fifth place with a chance to move within a point of fourth-placed AC Milan, who lost 1-0 at Sampdoria on Saturday, but instead dropped to sixth after Atalanta won 3-1 at Parma to overtake them.

Arkadiusz Milik put Napoli ahead after two minutes, cleverly controlling Simone Verdi's chipped pass with his heel and then swiveling to fire past Robin Olsen.

Having dominated the first half, with another Milik goal chalked off for offside, Napoli were pegged back in stoppage time when Patrik Schick was fouled by goalkeeper Alex Meret and Diego Perotti slotted home the penalty.

Yet Roma were left reeling by two quick goals after the break as they slumped to a second defeat in Ranieri's three games in charge.

Jose Callejon's low cross slipped under Olsen's hand to leave Dries Mertens with a tap-in at the far post in the 50th minute, then Fabian Ruiz burst down the left and set up Verdi for the third five minutes later.

Substitute Amin Younes added the fourth, scoring at the second attempt after Roma failed to clear a corner.

Second-placed Napoli stayed 15 points behind runaway leaders Juventus, who beat Empoli 1-0 on Saturday.

Milan, in the lowest of the Champions League slots, have 51 points, followed by Atalanta (48) and Roma (47).

Ranieri returned for a second stint at the club to replace Eusebio Di Francesco, fired after a 3-0 derby defeat to Lazio was followed by Champions League elimination at the hands of Porto.

"It's difficult, but we are working hard and trying to do our best," said Ranieri. "The others run faster and harder and get to the ball first. Do I regret taking the job? Never."

Atalanta fell behind to an early Gervinho goal at Parma before Mario Pasalic levelled midway through the first half and two goals in the last 15 minutes from striker Duvan Zapata gave them the points.

The Colombian took his season's tally to 19, level with Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and two behind leading scorer Fabio Quagliarella of Sampdoria.

Napoli ripped AS Roma's defence to shreds as they handed the hosts an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday and piled on the problems for recently-appointed coach Claudio Ranieri.

Napoli ripped AS Roma's defence to shreds as they handed the hosts an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico in Serie A on Sunday and piled on the problems for recently-appointed coach Claudio Ranieri. Roma began the game in fifth place with a chance to move within a point of fourth-placed AC Milan, who lost 1-0 at Sampdoria on Saturday, but instead dropped to sixth after Atalanta won 3-1 at Parma to overtake them. Arkadiusz Milik put Napoli ahead after two minutes, cleverly controlling Simone Verdi's chipped pass with his heel and then swiveling to fire past Robin Olsen. Having dominated the first half, with another Milik goal chalked off for offside, Napoli were pegged back in stoppage time when Patrik Schick was fouled by goalkeeper Alex Meret and Diego Perotti slotted home the penalty. Yet Roma were left reeling by two quick goals after the break as they slumped to a second defeat in Ranieri's three games in charge. Jose Callejon's low cross slipped under Olsen's hand to leave Dries Mertens with a tap-in at the far post in the 50th minute, then Fabian Ruiz burst down the left and set up Verdi for the third five minutes later. Substitute Amin Younes added the fourth, scoring at the second attempt after Roma failed to clear a corner. Second-placed Napoli stayed 15 points behind runaway leaders Juventus, who beat Empoli 1-0 on Saturday. Milan, in the lowest of the Champions League slots, have 51 points, followed by Atalanta (48) and Roma (47). Ranieri returned for a second stint at the club to replace Eusebio Di Francesco, fired after a 3-0 derby defeat to Lazio was followed by Champions League elimination at the hands of Porto. "It's difficult, but we are working hard and trying to do our best," said Ranieri. "The others run faster and harder and get to the ball first. Do I regret taking the job? Never." Atalanta fell behind to an early Gervinho goal at Parma before Mario Pasalic levelled midway through the first half and two goals in the last 15 minutes from striker Duvan Zapata gave them the points. The Colombian took his season's tally to 19, level with Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and two behind leading scorer Fabio Quagliarella of Sampdoria.

Claudio Ranieri's problems mount as Napoli thump Roma 4-1

Claudio Ranieri's AS Roma homecoming is quickly threatening to turn sour with the veteran coach facing a multitude of problems ahead of Sunday's match against Napoli.

Ranieri, who was appointed one week after being fired by English Premier League side Fulham where he had been in charge for three months, appears to have leapt from the frying pan into the fire.

Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Porto, which led to the downfall of predecessor Eusebio Di Francesco, fifth-placed Roma have lost ground in the race for the Champions League places next season.

They are four points adrift of the top four where they must finish to qualify. Napoli are second with 60 points, 15 behind runaway leaders Juventus who host Empoli on Saturday.

Rome-born Ranieri, in his second stint in charge of the club where he also began his playing career, has inherited a team plagued by injuries and form problems and with an infuriating tendency to switch off during matches.

Having beaten Empoli in his first game, Ranieri's side then lost 2-1 to SPAL, continuing a string of defeats against teams from the lower half of the table. Ranieri gave a withering assessment of the performance against SPAL.

"We need to be more determined, more of a team and also improve our tactics, because we ran hard, but with no real reasoning and that's not good enough," he said.

Italian media reported that tempers flared in the Roma dressing-room at halftime at SPAL with a furious row between strikers Stephan El Shaarawy and Edin Dzeko.

The club have not commented on the reports.

Roma go into Sunday's match with injury problems, something which has been a feature of their season.

El Shaarawy and full back Alessandro Florenzi both left the Italy squad with calf problems during the international break and are unavailable while Daniele De Rossi, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Javier Pastore are doubtful.

La Repubblica newspaper calculated that Roma's squad have suffered 40 muscular injuries between them this season.

There are also worries about the form of goalkeeper Robin Olsen after his performance in the 3-3 draw for Sweden against Norway on Tuesday, with suggestions that Ranieri could turn to Antonio Mirante.

Olsen's long-term future at the club, after some unconvincing displays, is also in doubt.

Meanwhile, forward Diego Perotti denied comments by his father Hugo, a former player, about a possible return to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors.

"My father dropped me in it and I'm angry," Perotti told Tyc Sport in Argentina. "I still have two years of my contract to go and I'm not returning to Argentina at the moment."

Ranieri warned that the players were playing for their future at the club. "There's a plan in place if Roma get into the Champions League. If we don't, quite a few of these guys could change clubs," he said.

"I can't say if there will be a revolution if Roma don't qualify for the Champions League, but if they don't get the revenue from that competition something will inevitably have to change."

Claudio Ranieri's AS Roma homecoming is quickly threatening to turn sour with the veteran coach facing a multitude of problems ahead of Sunday's match against Napoli.

Claudio Ranieri's AS Roma homecoming is quickly threatening to turn sour with the veteran coach facing a multitude of problems ahead of Sunday's match against Napoli. Ranieri, who was appointed one week after being fired by English Premier League side Fulham where he had been in charge for three months, appears to have leapt from the frying pan into the fire. Having been knocked out of the Champions League by Porto, which led to the downfall of predecessor Eusebio Di Francesco, fifth-placed Roma have lost ground in the race for the Champions League places next season. They are four points adrift of the top four where they must finish to qualify. Napoli are second with 60 points, 15 behind runaway leaders Juventus who host Empoli on Saturday. Rome-born Ranieri, in his second stint in charge of the club where he also began his playing career, has inherited a team plagued by injuries and form problems and with an infuriating tendency to switch off during matches. Having beaten Empoli in his first game, Ranieri's side then lost 2-1 to SPAL, continuing a string of defeats against teams from the lower half of the table. Ranieri gave a withering assessment of the performance against SPAL. "We need to be more determined, more of a team and also improve our tactics, because we ran hard, but with no real reasoning and that's not good enough," he said. Italian media reported that tempers flared in the Roma dressing-room at halftime at SPAL with a furious row between strikers Stephan El Shaarawy and Edin Dzeko. The club have not commented on the reports. Roma go into Sunday's match with injury problems, something which has been a feature of their season. El Shaarawy and full back Alessandro Florenzi both left the Italy squad with calf problems during the international break and are unavailable while Daniele De Rossi, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Javier Pastore are doubtful. La Repubblica newspaper calculated that Roma's squad have suffered 40 muscular injuries between them this season. There are also worries about the form of goalkeeper Robin Olsen after his performance in the 3-3 draw for Sweden against Norway on Tuesday, with suggestions that Ranieri could turn to Antonio Mirante. Olsen's long-term future at the club, after some unconvincing displays, is also in doubt. Meanwhile, forward Diego Perotti denied comments by his father Hugo, a former player, about a possible return to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors. "My father dropped me in it and I'm angry," Perotti told Tyc Sport in Argentina. "I still have two years of my contract to go and I'm not returning to Argentina at the moment." Ranieri warned that the players were playing for their future at the club. "There's a plan in place if Roma get into the Champions League. If we don't, quite a few of these guys could change clubs," he said. "I can't say if there will be a revolution if Roma don't qualify for the Champions League, but if they don't get the revenue from that competition something will inevitably have to change."

Claudio Ranieri's problems multiply as Roma face Napoli

Five talking points from the Serie A weekend after leaders Juventus beat AS Roma 1-0 to make it 16 wins in 17 matches and Napoli stayed eight points behind with a 1-0 win over SPAL.

Why is former Milan Captain Monyolivo not playing?

Former AC Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo has yet to make an appearance this season despite the team being ravaged by injuries.

AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso has insisted that he has nothing against the 33-year-old and that the door is open.

Yet, even when is included in the squad in the first place, Montolivo is left sitting on the bench as he was for Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Fiorentina in what Gattuso describes as a "technical choice."

Montolivo sent off on his last appearance against Atalanta at the end of last season, is in his seventh season at Milan although he has been unlucky with injuries.

A regular for Italy at one point, he missed the 2014 World Cup after suffering a broken leg in a pre-tournament friendly and also suffered a knee injury which made him miss most of the 2016-17 season.

Montolivo himself has remained silent although is agent Giovanni Branchini told Italian media on Saturday that Gattuso's treatment of the player had "gone beyond the limits of logic."

Mandzukic is JUVE'S man for the big occasion

Mario Mandzukic continued his record of scoring goals that matter this season when he gave Juventus their 1-0 win over AS Roma on Saturday.

The Croatia World Cup runner-up has also scored in all of Juve's matches against other teams from the top five the 2-0 win over Lazio, the 1-0 win over Inter Milan, the 3-1 win over Napoli and the 2-0 win over AC Milan.

"Mario is an extraordinary player, at both a technical and physical level," said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Higuain suffer his longest&nbsp;drought in Italy

Mandzukic's former teammate Gonzalo Higuain, on the other hand, continued to struggle following his loan from Juventus to AC Milan as he completed his eighth game in all competitions without scoring on Saturday.

It is his longest drought since he moved to Italy in 2013, joining Napoli from Real Madrid.

The 31-year-old was again deprived of service, often dropping back into his own half to look for the ball.

The Argentine struck 92 goals in 147 appearances in three seasons for Napoli and 55 goals in 110 matches in two seasons at Juventus.

Despite the current barren patch, his overall scoring rate for Milan is not far behind at eight goals in 17 outings.

Schick also struggling at Roma

Higuain is not the only out-of-touch striker&nbsp;AS Roma's Patrik Schick has only scored four times in 42 outings in his one-and-a-half seasons at the club.

The Czech has managed one Serie A goal so far this season, against his former club Sampdoria and struck another blank at Juventus on Saturday.

"Patrik played 90 minutes because I felt he was having a good game," said coach Eusebio Di Francesco. "I expect a striker like him to have more shots on goal but he did what I asked of him and put in a good shift for the team."

Mazzarri&nbsp;latest var outburst

Torino coach Walter Mazzarri's was on the warpath again after his side drew 1-1 at Sassuolo.

Iago Falque had what would have been a stoppage-time winner disallowed for offside following a VAR review, however, Mazzarri was more angry about a penalty he said should have been awarded for a foul on Simone Zaza.

"For us, it was a clear penalty and we do not understand why the referee did not ask to see it again," he said. "I'm angry at both our mistakes and for the refereeing incidents. In my opinion, the penalty was quite obvious."

Five talking points from the Serie A weekend after leaders Juventus beat AS Roma 1-0 to make it 16 wins in 17 matches and Napoli stayed eight points behind with a 1-0 win over SPAL.

Five talking points from the Serie A weekend after leaders Juventus beat AS Roma 1-0 to make it 16 wins in 17 matches and Napoli stayed eight points behind with a 1-0 win over SPAL. Why is former Milan Captain Monyolivo not playing? Former AC Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo has yet to make an appearance this season despite the team being ravaged by injuries. AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso has insisted that he has nothing against the 33-year-old and that the door is open. Yet, even when is included in the squad in the first place, Montolivo is left sitting on the bench as he was for Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Fiorentina in what Gattuso describes as a "technical choice." Montolivo sent off on his last appearance against Atalanta at the end of last season, is in his seventh season at Milan although he has been unlucky with injuries. A regular for Italy at one point, he missed the 2014 World Cup after suffering a broken leg in a pre-tournament friendly and also suffered a knee injury which made him miss most of the 2016-17 season. Montolivo himself has remained silent although is agent Giovanni Branchini told Italian media on Saturday that Gattuso's treatment of the player had "gone beyond the limits of logic." Mandzukic is JUVE'S man for the big occasion Mario Mandzukic continued his record of scoring goals that matter this season when he gave Juventus their 1-0 win over AS Roma on Saturday. The Croatia World Cup runner-up has also scored in all of Juve's matches against other teams from the top five the 2-0 win over Lazio, the 1-0 win over Inter Milan, the 3-1 win over Napoli and the 2-0 win over AC Milan. "Mario is an extraordinary player, at both a technical and physical level," said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. Higuain suffer his longest drought in Italy Mandzukic's former teammate Gonzalo Higuain, on the other hand, continued to struggle following his loan from Juventus to AC Milan as he completed his eighth game in all competitions without scoring on Saturday. It is his longest drought since he moved to Italy in 2013, joining Napoli from Real Madrid. The 31-year-old was again deprived of service, often dropping back into his own half to look for the ball. The Argentine struck 92 goals in 147 appearances in three seasons for Napoli and 55 goals in 110 matches in two seasons at Juventus. Despite the current barren patch, his overall scoring rate for Milan is not far behind at eight goals in 17 outings. Schick also struggling at Roma Higuain is not the only out-of-touch striker AS Roma's Patrik Schick has only scored four times in 42 outings in his one-and-a-half seasons at the club. The Czech has managed one Serie A goal so far this season, against his former club Sampdoria and struck another blank at Juventus on Saturday. "Patrik played 90 minutes because I felt he was having a good game," said coach Eusebio Di Francesco. "I expect a striker like him to have more shots on goal but he did what I asked of him and put in a good shift for the team." Mazzarri latest var outburst Torino coach Walter Mazzarri's was on the warpath again after his side drew 1-1 at Sassuolo. Iago Falque had what would have been a stoppage-time winner disallowed for offside following a VAR review, however, Mazzarri was more angry about a penalty he said should have been awarded for a foul on Simone Zaza. "For us, it was a clear penalty and we do not understand why the referee did not ask to see it again," he said. "I'm angry at both our mistakes and for the refereeing incidents. In my opinion, the penalty was quite obvious."

Talking-points from the Serie A weekend

Juventus maintained their record-breaking start to the Serie A season with a 1-0 win over AS Roma that ensured they will go into the winter break on top of the table.

Mario Mandzukic struck a first-half winner to hand Juve their 16th win in 17 games, restoring their eight-point advantage over second-placed Napoli with two rounds to go before the halfway point of the season.

A 1-1 draw with Genoa in October is the only blot on Juventus's otherwise perfect record, which is the best start that has ever been made to a Serie A season and one that has only been matched in Europe's top five leagues by Barcelona in 2012-13 and Manchester City in 2017-18.

A trademark back-post header from Mandzukic opened the scoring on 35 minutes, as the Croatia international rose above Davide Santon to power the ball into the net.

Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen made a string of saves to keep his side in the game, twice denying Cristiano Ronaldo in quick succession in the second half.

However, the capital club rarely threatened to find an equaliser and substitute Douglas Costa thought he had sealed the points for Juventus with his close-range finish in stoppage time, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul in the build-up following a pitch-side VAR review.

Juventus sit on the summit of the table with 49 points from a possible 51, eight points clear of Napoli on 41, while the defeat sees Roma drop to 10th place and continues a poor run of form for Eusebio Di Francesco's side.

Roma have won just one of their last seven games and Saturday's defeat marked their eighth consecutive loss at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

Juventus maintained their record-breaking start to the Serie A season with a 1-0 win over AS Roma that ensured they will go into the winter break on top of the table.

Juventus maintained their record-breaking start to the Serie A season with a 1-0 win over AS Roma that ensured they will go into the winter break on top of the table. Mario Mandzukic struck a first-half winner to hand Juve their 16th win in 17 games, restoring their eight-point advantage over second-placed Napoli with two rounds to go before the halfway point of the season. A 1-1 draw with Genoa in October is the only blot on Juventus's otherwise perfect record, which is the best start that has ever been made to a Serie A season and one that has only been matched in Europe's top five leagues by Barcelona in 2012-13 and Manchester City in 2017-18. A trademark back-post header from Mandzukic opened the scoring on 35 minutes, as the Croatia international rose above Davide Santon to power the ball into the net. Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen made a string of saves to keep his side in the game, twice denying Cristiano Ronaldo in quick succession in the second half. However, the capital club rarely threatened to find an equaliser and substitute Douglas Costa thought he had sealed the points for Juventus with his close-range finish in stoppage time, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foul in the build-up following a pitch-side VAR review. Juventus sit on the summit of the table with 49 points from a possible 51, eight points clear of Napoli on 41, while the defeat sees Roma drop to 10th place and continues a poor run of form for Eusebio Di Francesco's side. Roma have won just one of their last seven games and Saturday's defeat marked their eighth consecutive loss at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

Mario Mandzukic on target as relentless Juventus beat Roma

Real Madrid secured first place in Champions League Group G and ended AS Roma's eight-match unbeaten home run in Europe with a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday although the Italians are also through to the last 16.

Real's win thanks to second-half goals from Gareth Bale and Lucas Vazquez means the European champions are guaranteed to top the group due to a better head-to-head over the hosts.

Like Real, Roma had already clinched a place in the knockout stages with one game to spare thanks to Viktoria Plzen’s 2-1 win at CSKA Moscow in the early kick-off, which leaves Eusebio di Francesco’s side five points clear of third place.

Real and Roma went into the game locked on nine points but having both suffered shock domestic league defeats at the weekend, the Italians losing 1-0 at lowly Udinese while Madrid suffered a stunning 3-0 reverse away to mid-table Eibar.

Roma were without injured striker Edin Dzeko, the Champions League joint-top scorer this season with five goals, and the Bosnian’s absence was felt during a wasteful first half.

Real keeper Thibaut Courtois blocked Patrik Schick’s effort from point-blank range before an Aleksander Kolarov strike from distance whistled wide, but Cengiz Under spurned the best chance just before the break when he fired over from close range.

The home side were made to pay for their profligacy as Real went in front within two minutes of the restart as Welshman Gareth Bale pounced on a poor header back towards his own goal by Federico Fazio before finishing into the corner.

Santiago Solari’s side doubled the advantage just before the hour. Bale curled a cross to the back post and Karim Benzema’s knock-down put the ball on a plate for Vazquez to tap in.

That knocked the stuffing out of Roma and it was the visitors who threatened to find a third, with Marcelo and Benzema both testing Robin Olsen in the Roma goal.

The result ended a run of eight home Champions League games without defeat for Roma as Real became the first away team to win at the Olimpico in Europe since Porto in August 2016.

Real Madrid secured first place in Champions League Group G and ended AS Roma's eight-match unbeaten home run in Europe with a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday although the Italians are also through to the last 16.

Real Madrid secured first place in Champions League Group G and ended AS Roma's eight-match unbeaten home run in Europe with a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday although the Italians are also through to the last 16. Real's win thanks to second-half goals from Gareth Bale and Lucas Vazquez means the European champions are guaranteed to top the group due to a better head-to-head over the hosts. Like Real, Roma had already clinched a place in the knockout stages with one game to spare thanks to Viktoria Plzen’s 2-1 win at CSKA Moscow in the early kick-off, which leaves Eusebio di Francesco’s side five points clear of third place. Real and Roma went into the game locked on nine points but having both suffered shock domestic league defeats at the weekend, the Italians losing 1-0 at lowly Udinese while Madrid suffered a stunning 3-0 reverse away to mid-table Eibar. Roma were without injured striker Edin Dzeko, the Champions League joint-top scorer this season with five goals, and the Bosnian’s absence was felt during a wasteful first half. Real keeper Thibaut Courtois blocked Patrik Schick’s effort from point-blank range before an Aleksander Kolarov strike from distance whistled wide, but Cengiz Under spurned the best chance just before the break when he fired over from close range. The home side were made to pay for their profligacy as Real went in front within two minutes of the restart as Welshman Gareth Bale pounced on a poor header back towards his own goal by Federico Fazio before finishing into the corner. Santiago Solari’s side doubled the advantage just before the hour. Bale curled a cross to the back post and Karim Benzema’s knock-down put the ball on a plate for Vazquez to tap in. That knocked the stuffing out of Roma and it was the visitors who threatened to find a third, with Marcelo and Benzema both testing Robin Olsen in the Roma goal. The result ended a run of eight home Champions League games without defeat for Roma as Real became the first away team to win at the Olimpico in Europe since Porto in August 2016.

Real Madrid seal top spot with 2-0 win at Roma

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=AS+Roma">AS Roma</a> coach Eusebio Di Francesco on Monday said that his side will have 'to believe' ahead of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Champions+league">UEFA Champions League</a> match against European champions <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Real+Madrid">Real Madrid</a>.

"I have always felt great confidence from AS Roma, but football is football and the result of tomorrow will be important to be the first in the group. We have to believe and we have to try. We have a good position in the group and this position could be excellent if we will offer a great performance tomorrow," he said.

Roma, who finished third in Serie A last season and reached the Champions League semi-finals, suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Udinese on November 24, leaving them seventh in the table and 18 points behind leaders Juventus.

They host Real Madrid in Champions League Group G on November 27, needing a draw to qualify for the next round with one match to spare.

During a news conference in Rome, Di Francesco said his team will have to believe in a win ahead of today's match against Los Blancos in order to keep the lead of Group G. He added that Solari's side is technical similar to Julen Lopetegui's but also that, at a psychological level, Los Blancos are now different because of their poor performance in Spanish championship.

Di Francesco's future is now said to be under threat, some media reports saying he has been given two games to inspire an improvement.

Real Madrid got their Champions League title defence off to a strong start on September 19 by convincingly beating AS Roma 3-0 at home with goals from Isco, Gareth Bale and a stoppage-time strike from striker Mariano Diaz.

AS Roma and Real Madrid lead Group G with nine points, five ahead of CSKA Moscow in third place, while Viktoria Plzen are bottom of the group and can no longer finish in the top two.

AS Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco on Monday said that his side will have 'to believe' ahead of UEFA Champions League match against European champions Real Madrid.

AS Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco on Monday said that his side will have 'to believe' ahead of UEFA Champions League match against European champions Real Madrid. "I have always felt great confidence from AS Roma, but football is football and the result of tomorrow will be important to be the first in the group. We have to believe and we have to try. We have a good position in the group and this position could be excellent if we will offer a great performance tomorrow," he said. Roma, who finished third in Serie A last season and reached the Champions League semi-finals, suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Udinese on November 24, leaving them seventh in the table and 18 points behind leaders Juventus. They host Real Madrid in Champions League Group G on November 27, needing a draw to qualify for the next round with one match to spare. During a news conference in Rome, Di Francesco said his team will have to believe in a win ahead of today's match against Los Blancos in order to keep the lead of Group G. He added that Solari's side is technical similar to Julen Lopetegui's but also that, at a psychological level, Los Blancos are now different because of their poor performance in Spanish championship. Di Francesco's future is now said to be under threat, some media reports saying he has been given two games to inspire an improvement. Real Madrid got their Champions League title defence off to a strong start on September 19 by convincingly beating AS Roma 3-0 at home with goals from Isco, Gareth Bale and a stoppage-time strike from striker Mariano Diaz. AS Roma and Real Madrid lead Group G with nine points, five ahead of CSKA Moscow in third place, while Viktoria Plzen are bottom of the group and can no longer finish in the top two.

'We have to believe and we have to try', says Roma coach Francesco ahead of Real clash

AS Roma grabbed a late draw at Fiorentina in Serie A on Saturday when Alessandro Florenzi`s equaliser cancelled out a contentious first-half penalty converted by Jordan Veretout.

Veretout scored from the spot for the third time in the last five Serie A games after Cengiz Under`s backpass was intercepted by Giovanni Simeone and the Argentine went down under a challenge from goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

It was the third penalty against Roma this season and it was questionable if there was any contact although the referee decided against using a VAR review.

Fiorentina kept the lead until the 85th minute when goalkeeper Alban-Marc Lafont attempted to punch away Aleksandar Kolarov`s cross and Florenzi tucked away the rebound.

Lafont made amends five minutes later with a good save to deny Edin Dzeko and preserve Fiorentina`s unbeaten home record.

The draw left the teams level on 16 points from 11 games with Fiorentina ahead in sixth place on goal difference.

Roma, missing captain Daniele De Rossi through injury, gave a first Serie A start to 19-year-old midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.

AS Roma grabbed a late draw at Fiorentina in Serie A on Saturday when Alessandro Florenzi`s equaliser cancelled out a contentious first-half penalty converted by Jordan Veretout.

AS Roma grabbed a late draw at Fiorentina in Serie A on Saturday when Alessandro Florenzi`s equaliser cancelled out a contentious first-half penalty converted by Jordan Veretout. Veretout scored from the spot for the third time in the last five Serie A games after Cengiz Under`s backpass was intercepted by Giovanni Simeone and the Argentine went down under a challenge from goalkeeper Robin Olsen. It was the third penalty against Roma this season and it was questionable if there was any contact although the referee decided against using a VAR review. Fiorentina kept the lead until the 85th minute when goalkeeper Alban-Marc Lafont attempted to punch away Aleksandar Kolarov`s cross and Florenzi tucked away the rebound. Lafont made amends five minutes later with a good save to deny Edin Dzeko and preserve Fiorentina`s unbeaten home record. The draw left the teams level on 16 points from 11 games with Fiorentina ahead in sixth place on goal difference. Roma, missing captain Daniele De Rossi through injury, gave a first Serie A start to 19-year-old midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.

Florenzi earns Roma late draw at Fiorentina

AS Roma's Edin Dzeko drew level with Barcelona's Lionel Messi at the top of this season's Champions League scoring charts as the Italians set the pace in Group G with a 3-0 win over CSKA Moscow at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina striker netted twice in the first half to take his tally in the competition to five goals, before setting up Cengiz Under to score the third just after the break as Roma continued a strong run of home form in Europe.

Eusebio di Francesco’s side were unbeaten in Rome during their run to the semi-finals last season and have not suffered a home defeat in European competition since a 1-0 Europa League loss to Villarreal in February 2017.

The result leaves Roma top of the section level on six points with Real Madrid, two ahead of CSKA and five clear of Viktoria Plzen, who lost 2-1 to the European champions in Spain.

The Russian side had a night to forget on their last visit to the Italian capital in 2014, losing 5-1, and endured another difficult night as Roma recorded a seventh straight Champions League home win ahead of the visit of Real Madrid on Nov. 27.

The Italians took the lead after half an hour when Lorenzo Pellegrini’s neat passing exchange with Stephan El Shaarawy found him some space inside the area and Dzeko was on hand to tap in the midfielder’s low cross from close range.

Roma doubled their lead two minutes before the break and Pellegrini was again at the heart of the move, surging through the CSKA defence before El Shaarawy picked out the Bosnian, who showed good composure to finish from a tight angle.

Dzeko was again involved as the hosts added a third five minutes after the restart, rising to nod a long ball into the path of the onrushing Under, who applied a powerful finish.

AS Roma's Edin Dzeko drew level with Barcelona's Lionel Messi at the top of this season's Champions League scoring charts as the Italians set the pace in Group G with a 3-0 win over CSKA Moscow at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday.

AS Roma's Edin Dzeko drew level with Barcelona's Lionel Messi at the top of this season's Champions League scoring charts as the Italians set the pace in Group G with a 3-0 win over CSKA Moscow at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday. The Bosnia-Herzegovina striker netted twice in the first half to take his tally in the competition to five goals, before setting up Cengiz Under to score the third just after the break as Roma continued a strong run of home form in Europe. Eusebio di Francesco’s side were unbeaten in Rome during their run to the semi-finals last season and have not suffered a home defeat in European competition since a 1-0 Europa League loss to Villarreal in February 2017. The result leaves Roma top of the section level on six points with Real Madrid, two ahead of CSKA and five clear of Viktoria Plzen, who lost 2-1 to the European champions in Spain. The Russian side had a night to forget on their last visit to the Italian capital in 2014, losing 5-1, and endured another difficult night as Roma recorded a seventh straight Champions League home win ahead of the visit of Real Madrid on Nov. 27. The Italians took the lead after half an hour when Lorenzo Pellegrini’s neat passing exchange with Stephan El Shaarawy found him some space inside the area and Dzeko was on hand to tap in the midfielder’s low cross from close range. Roma doubled their lead two minutes before the break and Pellegrini was again at the heart of the move, surging through the CSKA defence before El Shaarawy picked out the Bosnian, who showed good composure to finish from a tight angle. Dzeko was again involved as the hosts added a third five minutes after the restart, rising to nod a long ball into the path of the onrushing Under, who applied a powerful finish.

Dzeko the destroyer as Roma home joy continues

AS Roma fought hard till the end but it was not enough to stop Liverpool from advancing to the finals of the Champions League at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night.

Klopp's team went down 2-4 to a resurgent Roma who were determined to show their home fans they could overcome the 3 goal deficit of the first leg at Anfield as Radja Nainggolan struck late with 2 goals, but it was not to be as the visitors held off to win the game on a 7-6 aggregate.

The five-times European champions&nbsp;will now face holders Real Madrid in the May 26 final.&nbsp;

Liverpool's Sadio Mane struck in the ninth minute to put them in front but an own goal from James Milner put the Reds back. Georginio Wijnaldum header then put Liverpool back in front but Edin Dzeko levelled it for Roma early in the second half.

Nainggolan struck again in the 86th minute to make it tantalising close for the hosts but the Italians left it too late as Liverpool held their nerves to advance with a single goal advantage having won at home with a 5-2 scoreline.

"We are deserved finalists 100 percent," said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp. "You don’t come without luck. We needed it only one time tonight. "The boys deserve it, the character they showed, the football they showed -- it was just crazy. I forgot the score. It was 7-6 right? Unbelievable."

"Liverpool did not rob us of anything. They demonstrated they were a great team with some very great players," Roma coach Eusebio di Francesco said.

"The team that won, won on the details where we were not so good."

Liverpool last won the coveted trophy in 2005 and made it to the finals in 2007, they will now meet Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine later this month.

Liverpool last won the coverted trophy in 2005 and made it to the finals in 2007

AS Roma fought hard till the end but it was not enough to stop Liverpool from advancing to the finals of the Champions League at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night. Klopp's team went down 2-4 to a resurgent Roma who were determined to show their home fans they could overcome the 3 goal deficit of the first leg at Anfield as Radja Nainggolan struck late with 2 goals, but it was not to be as the visitors held off to win the game on a 7-6 aggregate. The five-times European champions will now face holders Real Madrid in the May 26 final. Liverpool's Sadio Mane struck in the ninth minute to put them in front but an own goal from James Milner put the Reds back. Georginio Wijnaldum header then put Liverpool back in front but Edin Dzeko levelled it for Roma early in the second half. Nainggolan struck again in the 86th minute to make it tantalising close for the hosts but the Italians left it too late as Liverpool held their nerves to advance with a single goal advantage having won at home with a 5-2 scoreline. "We are deserved finalists 100 percent," said Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp. "You don’t come without luck. We needed it only one time tonight. "The boys deserve it, the character they showed, the football they showed -- it was just crazy. I forgot the score. It was 7-6 right? Unbelievable." "Liverpool did not rob us of anything. They demonstrated they were a great team with some very great players," Roma coach Eusebio di Francesco said. "The team that won, won on the details where we were not so good." Liverpool last won the coveted trophy in 2005 and made it to the finals in 2007, they will now meet Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine later this month.

Champions League: Liverpool edge out AS Roma, to meet Real Madrid in final

Holders Real Madrid reached the Champions League final for a third year in a row after taking advantage of Bayern Munich’s carelessness in attack and defence to draw 2-2 in their semi-final second leg on Tuesday, winning 4-3 on aggregate.

Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich put them in front in the third minute at the Santiago Bernabeu but Karim Benzema levelled with a free header in the 11th. A goalkeeping howler from Bayern’s Sven Ulreich then allowed Benzema to tap in Madrid’s second at the start of the second half.

James Rodriguez, on loan from Madrid, hit a deserved equaliser for Bayern in the 63rd to set up a gripping finale but the Spaniards clung on despite waves of pressure from the visitors to become the first team since Juventus in 1998 to reach the final for three years in succession.

They will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final in Kiev on May 26, where they will bid to become the first side since Bayern in 1976 to win the competition three years in a row.

Madrid had ridden their luck to win the first leg in Munich 2-1 after Bayern had missed a slew of chances and Zinedine Zidane`s side made the most of their few opportunities.

Madrid fans unfurled a giant banner before kickoff stating "We will defend the throne, we will capture glory", but Bayern launched an early assault on their kingdom as David Alaba came rushing forward only to pass into the hands of keeper Keylor Navas.

Bayern came back down the other flank and landed their first punch when Sergio Ramos failed to clear a cross and Kimmich gleefully knocked home from close range.

It was the third consecutive home game in the knockout stages that Madrid had fallen behind, but they kept their composure and soon found an equaliser.&nbsp;

A superb crossfield ball from Luka Modric was controlled by Marcelo who delivered the perfect cross for Benzema to nod calmly in at the back post.

An end-to-end game ensued, with midfield frequently being bypassed by long balls up to the forwards. Bayern could have re-taken the lead when striker Robert Lewandowski was foiled by Madrid goalkeeper Navas and Rodriguez sent the rebound flying over the bar from close range.

Bayern finished the half strongly but were left fuming at a failed penalty appeal when a shot from Kimmich struck Marcelo’s arm. 
They sealed their own demise, though, when Ulreich lost his footing as he tried to control a backpass from Corentin Tolisso, allowing Madrid`s much-maligned striker Benzema to tap in what proved to be the killer blow.

Bayern still created chances before and after Rodriguez`s goal. 
Navas denied the Colombian and Mats Hummels headed wide from a corner in stoppage time, sealing Bayern’s fifth consecutive Champions League exit to a Spanish side, and their third to Madrid in that time.

Real Madrid will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final in Kiev on May 26

Holders Real Madrid reached the Champions League final for a third year in a row after taking advantage of Bayern Munich’s carelessness in attack and defence to draw 2-2 in their semi-final second leg on Tuesday, winning 4-3 on aggregate. Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich put them in front in the third minute at the Santiago Bernabeu but Karim Benzema levelled with a free header in the 11th. A goalkeeping howler from Bayern’s Sven Ulreich then allowed Benzema to tap in Madrid’s second at the start of the second half. James Rodriguez, on loan from Madrid, hit a deserved equaliser for Bayern in the 63rd to set up a gripping finale but the Spaniards clung on despite waves of pressure from the visitors to become the first team since Juventus in 1998 to reach the final for three years in succession. They will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final in Kiev on May 26, where they will bid to become the first side since Bayern in 1976 to win the competition three years in a row. Madrid had ridden their luck to win the first leg in Munich 2-1 after Bayern had missed a slew of chances and Zinedine Zidane`s side made the most of their few opportunities. Madrid fans unfurled a giant banner before kickoff stating "We will defend the throne, we will capture glory", but Bayern launched an early assault on their kingdom as David Alaba came rushing forward only to pass into the hands of keeper Keylor Navas. Bayern came back down the other flank and landed their first punch when Sergio Ramos failed to clear a cross and Kimmich gleefully knocked home from close range. It was the third consecutive home game in the knockout stages that Madrid had fallen behind, but they kept their composure and soon found an equaliser. A superb crossfield ball from Luka Modric was controlled by Marcelo who delivered the perfect cross for Benzema to nod calmly in at the back post. An end-to-end game ensued, with midfield frequently being bypassed by long balls up to the forwards. Bayern could have re-taken the lead when striker Robert Lewandowski was foiled by Madrid goalkeeper Navas and Rodriguez sent the rebound flying over the bar from close range. Bayern finished the half strongly but were left fuming at a failed penalty appeal when a shot from Kimmich struck Marcelo’s arm. They sealed their own demise, though, when Ulreich lost his footing as he tried to control a backpass from Corentin Tolisso, allowing Madrid`s much-maligned striker Benzema to tap in what proved to be the killer blow. Bayern still created chances before and after Rodriguez`s goal. Navas denied the Colombian and Mats Hummels headed wide from a corner in stoppage time, sealing Bayern’s fifth consecutive Champions League exit to a Spanish side, and their third to Madrid in that time.

Champions League: Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich to reach final for third year in a row

Liverpool blew AS Roma defence into pieces as the Reds defeated&nbsp;visitors 5-2 in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday at Anfield.

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah struck twice in the first half to give an early 2-0 lead to Juergen Klopp's side.

Lead was then further extend by&nbsp;Roberto Firmino as he ripped Roma apart after the break by scoring two more goals.

Sadio Mane scored one more goal to make it&nbsp;5-0 up for Liverpool but two late Roma goals, however, gave&nbsp;the Italians some relaxation as they tried to forfeit the deficit to some extent.

Edin Dzeko struck for the visitors in the 81st minute and four minutes later Diego Perotti converted a penalty to save some excitement for the second leg game.

As the fans would expect AS Roma to repeat the quarter-finals heroics that booted out Spanish&nbsp;giants FC Barcelona from the tournament when they&nbsp;came back from 4-1 down to beat Barca&nbsp;in the round of eight.

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It's half-time in the tie. Another big 90 minutes in Rome await. 
 
Up the Reds! ? <a href="https://t.co/LeSwh7tVzl">pic.twitter.com/LeSwh7tVzl</a>
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/988879501043077120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/mosalah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mosalah</a>'s latest attacking masterclass helped establish a 5-2 lead in our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> semi-final first leg. 
 
Our take on tonight's seven-goal thriller → <a href="https://t.co/HcXakqONx2">https://t.co/HcXakqONx2</a> <a href="https://t.co/4gkoCOxlnF">pic.twitter.com/4gkoCOxlnF</a>
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Edin Džeko has now scored in 4 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> games in a row. ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/Pt4OLDxIPK">pic.twitter.com/Pt4OLDxIPK</a>
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&nbsp;

Mo Salah struck twice in the first half to give an early lead to Juergen Klopp's side

Liverpool blew AS Roma defence into pieces as the Reds defeated visitors 5-2 in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday at Anfield. Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah struck twice in the first half to give an early 2-0 lead to Juergen Klopp's side. Lead was then further extend by Roberto Firmino as he ripped Roma apart after the break by scoring two more goals. Sadio Mane scored one more goal to make it 5-0 up for Liverpool but two late Roma goals, however, gave the Italians some relaxation as they tried to forfeit the deficit to some extent. Edin Dzeko struck for the visitors in the 81st minute and four minutes later Diego Perotti converted a penalty to save some excitement for the second leg game. As the fans would expect AS Roma to repeat the quarter-finals heroics that booted out Spanish giants FC Barcelona from the tournament when they came back from 4-1 down to beat Barca in the round of eight. It's half-time in the tie. Another big 90 minutes in Rome await. Up the Reds! ? pic.twitter.com/LeSwh7tVzl — Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 24, 2018 × .@mosalah's latest attacking masterclass helped establish a 5-2 lead in our #UCL semi-final first leg. Our take on tonight's seven-goal thriller → https://t.co/HcXakqONx2 pic.twitter.com/4gkoCOxlnF — Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 24, 2018 × Edin Džeko has now scored in 4 #UCL games in a row. ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Pt4OLDxIPK — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 24, 2018 ×

Champions League: Super Salah shines again as Liverpool beat Roma in semi-final first leg

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/asaram-verdict-today-security-beefed-up-in-3-states-entry-of-media-banned-132657">Asaram verdict today: Security heightened in 3 states, entry of media banned</a>

The Jodhpur Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe Court will pronounce its verdict today in a rape case against Asaram Bapu, a self-styled godman.&nbsp;

The judgement in the case will be pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbse-to-hold-class-12-economics-paper-retest-today-132667">CBSE to hold Class 12 economics paper retest today</a>

The Central Board of Secondary Education will conduct a re-test of its Class 12 economics paper today, nearly a month after it was leaked triggering widespread outrage and confusion among students across India.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-pay-a-price-like-few-countries-have-trump-threatens-iran-with-retaliation-if-it-restarts-nuclear-programme-132654">Will pay a price like few countries have: Trump threatens Iran with retaliation if it restarts </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-pay-a-price-like-few-countries-have-trump-threatens-iran-with-retaliation-if-it-restarts-nuclear-programme-132654">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-pay-a-price-like-few-countries-have-trump-threatens-iran-with-retaliation-if-it-restarts-nuclear-programme-132654"> programme</a>

US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged on Tuesday to seek stronger measures to contain Iran but Trump refrained from committing to staying in a 2015 nuclear deal and threatened Tehran with retaliation if it restarted its nuclear programme.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/anger-against-women-reason-for-toronto-van-attack-132664">Anger against women reason for Toronto van attack?&nbsp;</a>

The man accused of plowing a rental van into pedestrians on a crowded Toronto sidewalk, killing 10 people in Canada's deadliest mass killing in decades, left a "cryptic message" on social media before his attack, police said on Tuesday.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-super-salah-shines-again-as-liverpool-trounce-as-roma-in-semi-final-132649">Champions League: Super Salah shines again as Liverpool defeat AS Roma in semi-final&nbsp;first leg</a>

Liverpool blew Roma's defence to pieces as the Reds beat the visitors 5-2 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday at Anfield.

Read the five big stories of the day here

Asaram verdict today: Security heightened in 3 states, entry of media banned The Jodhpur Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe Court will pronounce its verdict today in a rape case against Asaram Bapu, a self-styled godman. The judgement in the case will be pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail. CBSE to hold Class 12 economics paper retest today The Central Board of Secondary Education will conduct a re-test of its Class 12 economics paper today, nearly a month after it was leaked triggering widespread outrage and confusion among students across India. Will pay a price like few countries have: Trump threatens Iran with retaliation if it restarts nuclear programme US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged on Tuesday to seek stronger measures to contain Iran but Trump refrained from committing to staying in a 2015 nuclear deal and threatened Tehran with retaliation if it restarted its nuclear programme. Anger against women reason for Toronto van attack? The man accused of plowing a rental van into pedestrians on a crowded Toronto sidewalk, killing 10 people in Canada's deadliest mass killing in decades, left a "cryptic message" on social media before his attack, police said on Tuesday. Champions League: Super Salah shines again as Liverpool defeat AS Roma in semi-final first leg Liverpool blew Roma's defence to pieces as the Reds beat the visitors 5-2 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday at Anfield.

News brief: Big stories of the day

AS Roma's coach Eusebio Di Francesco said they lost their heads in the 5-2 defeat by Liverpool in their Champions League, semi-final, first-leg at Anfield on Tuesday but added that his team had to believe they could turn the tie around.

"We had an excellent start but then we lost our heads and the ability to stay in the game and so we got ourselves into difficulty," he told reporters.

"We really weren't good for 50 minutes and we lost all the challenges and duels and couldn't even make simple five yard passes," said the Italian whose team had been 5-0 down.

But two goals in the final nine minutes - an Edin Dzeko strike and a Diego Perotti penalty -- gave Roma hope they could make an unlikely comeback at the Stadio Olimpico next Wednesday.

Di Francesco's side had lost their quarter-final first leg 4-1 at Barcelona but advanced with a 3-0 win at home where they have not conceded a goal in this season's Champions League.

"We have to believe for the return game. You have to believe because in football everything is possible, even if it will not be easy," said Di Francesco.

"I don't want to hear about 'miracles' because it is about believing in your work and what we do. It is going to be different from the Barca game, it will be tougher. But whoever doesn't believe should stay at home," he added.

Roma full-back Alessandro Florenzi said Liverpool had been close to finishing off the contest but the door was now open for a battle in the Italian capital.

"We lost our way after the opening half-hour and were practically dead, but they didn’t kill us off completely. With heart, grit and pride we were able to re-open a tie that had seemed finished," he said.

"I can promise the fans that we’ll spit blood for this jersey and will play a very different match next week."

Two goals in the final nine minutes gave Roma hope they could make an unlikely comeback at the Stadio Olimpico

AS Roma's coach Eusebio Di Francesco said they lost their heads in the 5-2 defeat by Liverpool in their Champions League, semi-final, first-leg at Anfield on Tuesday but added that his team had to believe they could turn the tie around. "We had an excellent start but then we lost our heads and the ability to stay in the game and so we got ourselves into difficulty," he told reporters. "We really weren't good for 50 minutes and we lost all the challenges and duels and couldn't even make simple five yard passes," said the Italian whose team had been 5-0 down. But two goals in the final nine minutes - an Edin Dzeko strike and a Diego Perotti penalty -- gave Roma hope they could make an unlikely comeback at the Stadio Olimpico next Wednesday. Di Francesco's side had lost their quarter-final first leg 4-1 at Barcelona but advanced with a 3-0 win at home where they have not conceded a goal in this season's Champions League. "We have to believe for the return game. You have to believe because in football everything is possible, even if it will not be easy," said Di Francesco. "I don't want to hear about 'miracles' because it is about believing in your work and what we do. It is going to be different from the Barca game, it will be tougher. But whoever doesn't believe should stay at home," he added. Roma full-back Alessandro Florenzi said Liverpool had been close to finishing off the contest but the door was now open for a battle in the Italian capital. "We lost our way after the opening half-hour and were practically dead, but they didn’t kill us off completely. With heart, grit and pride we were able to re-open a tie that had seemed finished," he said. "I can promise the fans that we’ll spit blood for this jersey and will play a very different match next week."

We lost our heads but have to believe, says Roma coach Di Francesco

Liverpool's manager Juergen Klopp refused to dwell on the two late goals they conceded in a 5-2 win over AS Roma in their Champions League semi-final, first leg on Tuesday, saying his team had been "perfect" for 80 minutes.

"Of course, we would have been more happy with 5-0 or 5-1 but 5-2 is a fantastic result. We go there and try again," said the German coach after Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino claimed two goals each against the shell-shocked Italians.

"The boys played a brilliant game over a very long period. Even the last minutes when we conceded. We made one mistake and the ref made one mistake (awarding a penalty) and that was two goals for them.

"We have to work again in Rome, that is no problem. There would have been work to do if we had won 5-0. Roma would have tried everything anyway," he said.

Salah scored two superbly taken goals to take his season tally in all competitions to 43 and his Champions League total to 10 for the season -- a club record for a Liverpool player in a single European campaign.

Klopp was clearly impressed by the Egyptian's finishing, which saw him open the scoring with a beautiful curling left-foot shot into the top corner and then double the advantage with a perfectly executed lift over advancing keeper Alisson.

"The first goal is just a genius strike, he scored already a few like this, so that makes clear it is no coincidence," he told reporters.

"The second is brilliant play, Bobby (Firmino) between the lines and he (Salah) makes the play. Then he makes the other two goals," added Klopp, referring to Salah's assists for Sadio Mane and Firmino after the break.

The former Dortmund manager did not regret taking Salah off in the 75th minute with Liverpool 5-0 ahead, saying he wanted to protect the PFA Player of the Year from possible injury.

"If anyone wants to say it is my mistake we concede the two goals because I change the striker, I have no problem with that. We did not prepare our passes. He was running (to through balls) all the time and it would not have helped us if he got an injury."

But Klopp stopped short of saying that Salah, signed from Roma for 42 million euros ($51.37 million) in June, was now the best player in the world.

"What a player. If you think he is the best in the world, write it or say it. He is in outstandingly good shape, world class shape, but to be the best in the world you need to do it over a longer period, I think."

Juergen Klopp refused to dwell on the two late goals they conceded in a 5-2 win over AS Roma

Liverpool's manager Juergen Klopp refused to dwell on the two late goals they conceded in a 5-2 win over AS Roma in their Champions League semi-final, first leg on Tuesday, saying his team had been "perfect" for 80 minutes. "Of course, we would have been more happy with 5-0 or 5-1 but 5-2 is a fantastic result. We go there and try again," said the German coach after Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino claimed two goals each against the shell-shocked Italians. "The boys played a brilliant game over a very long period. Even the last minutes when we conceded. We made one mistake and the ref made one mistake (awarding a penalty) and that was two goals for them. "We have to work again in Rome, that is no problem. There would have been work to do if we had won 5-0. Roma would have tried everything anyway," he said. Salah scored two superbly taken goals to take his season tally in all competitions to 43 and his Champions League total to 10 for the season -- a club record for a Liverpool player in a single European campaign. Klopp was clearly impressed by the Egyptian's finishing, which saw him open the scoring with a beautiful curling left-foot shot into the top corner and then double the advantage with a perfectly executed lift over advancing keeper Alisson. "The first goal is just a genius strike, he scored already a few like this, so that makes clear it is no coincidence," he told reporters. "The second is brilliant play, Bobby (Firmino) between the lines and he (Salah) makes the play. Then he makes the other two goals," added Klopp, referring to Salah's assists for Sadio Mane and Firmino after the break. The former Dortmund manager did not regret taking Salah off in the 75th minute with Liverpool 5-0 ahead, saying he wanted to protect the PFA Player of the Year from possible injury. "If anyone wants to say it is my mistake we concede the two goals because I change the striker, I have no problem with that. We did not prepare our passes. He was running (to through balls) all the time and it would not have helped us if he got an injury." But Klopp stopped short of saying that Salah, signed from Roma for 42 million euros ($51.37 million) in June, was now the best player in the world. "What a player. If you think he is the best in the world, write it or say it. He is in outstandingly good shape, world class shape, but to be the best in the world you need to do it over a longer period, I think."

Liverpool's Klopp shrugs off late Roma goals after 'perfect' performance

Liverpool host giants-killer AS Roma in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals at Anfield on Wednesday 12:15 AM. AS Roma surprised everyone after defeating Barcelona in the quarterfinals by covering a 1-4 deficit in the second leg. Also, Liverpool have reached the semis without suffering a single defeat so far in the competition and to advance to the finals, Liverpool need to defeat Mohammed Salah's former club, AS Roma.

Mohammed Salah is one of the most important reasons for Liverpool's magnificent run. He has scored 41 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Juergen Klopp's Reds this season and was voted PFA Player of the Year by his peers on Sunday.

For Liverpool, Jordan Henderson is available once again after missing the Manchester City clash due to suspension, although Joel Matip, Emre Can and Adam Lallana are still recovering from injuries.

Roma rested key players such as Aleksandar Kolarov, Alessandro Florenzi, Edin Dzeko and Daniel De Rossi at the weekend, but have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Eusebio Di Francesco: "Kevin (Strootman) has become very Italian, very smart, very focused, I can assure you that we didn't prepare the match purely focused on (Mohamed) Salah. Salah is not here (at Roma) any more, but I can count on (Cengiz) Under, who's a young player, a skilled player, a great prospect, and my philosophy is to look forward, to move on. Once again, we didn't prepare the match focusing on individual players, but obviously we will give special attention to the best players, all of them, not only Salah."

Jurgen Klopp: "Most people in the football world thought the last four would be Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid and City. Barcelona are not here because of Rome and City are not here because of us. We both deserve to be here. Maybe a lot of people think the real final should be Real Madrid v Bayern Munich but that will not happen because they are in the other semi, so one of us will go through. We really feel the opportunity. It is a big thing. We came here with not a lot of expectation. We only came here expecting to win the games. People ask me if I feel pressure. No. I only feel opportunity. I am really happy to be here and to have another big night at Anfield."

Lineup (TBC):

Liverpool: Karius Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson Milner, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain Salah, Firmino, Mane.

AS Roma: &nbspAlisson J. Silva, Fazio, Manolas, Peres Pellegrini, Gonalons, Gerson Nainggolan, Schick, El Shaarawy.

Liverpool host giants-killer AS Roma in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals at Anfield

Liverpool host giants-killer AS Roma in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals at Anfield on Wednesday 12:15 AM. AS Roma surprised everyone after defeating Barcelona in the quarterfinals by covering a 1-4 deficit in the second leg. Also, Liverpool have reached the semis without suffering a single defeat so far in the competition and to advance to the finals, Liverpool need to defeat Mohammed Salah's former club, AS Roma. Mohammed Salah is one of the most important reasons for Liverpool's magnificent run. He has scored 41 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Juergen Klopp's Reds this season and was voted PFA Player of the Year by his peers on Sunday. For Liverpool, Jordan Henderson is available once again after missing the Manchester City clash due to suspension, although Joel Matip, Emre Can and Adam Lallana are still recovering from injuries. Roma rested key players such as Aleksandar Kolarov, Alessandro Florenzi, Edin Dzeko and Daniel De Rossi at the weekend, but have a fully fit squad to choose from. Eusebio Di Francesco: "Kevin (Strootman) has become very Italian, very smart, very focused, I can assure you that we didn't prepare the match purely focused on (Mohamed) Salah. Salah is not here (at Roma) any more, but I can count on (Cengiz) Under, who's a young player, a skilled player, a great prospect, and my philosophy is to look forward, to move on. Once again, we didn't prepare the match focusing on individual players, but obviously we will give special attention to the best players, all of them, not only Salah." Jurgen Klopp: "Most people in the football world thought the last four would be Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid and City. Barcelona are not here because of Rome and City are not here because of us. We both deserve to be here. Maybe a lot of people think the real final should be Real Madrid v Bayern Munich but that will not happen because they are in the other semi, so one of us will go through. We really feel the opportunity. It is a big thing. We came here with not a lot of expectation. We only came here expecting to win the games. People ask me if I feel pressure. No. I only feel opportunity. I am really happy to be here and to have another big night at Anfield." Lineup (TBC): Liverpool: Karius Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson Milner, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain Salah, Firmino, Mane. AS Roma: &nbspAlisson J. Silva, Fazio, Manolas, Peres Pellegrini, Gonalons, Gerson Nainggolan, Schick, El Shaarawy.

Champions League: Match preview of Liverpool vs AS Roma

AS Roma made a historic comeback in the Champions League encounter against Barcelona dumping the former champions with an impressive 3-0 scoreline.

The hosts&nbsp;overcome&nbsp;a 4-1 deficit from the first game at&nbsp;Nou Camp to reach the last four on away goals reaching&nbsp;the&nbsp;semi-finals for the first time since they reached the European Cup final in 1984.&nbsp;

Roma forward Edin Dzeko scored Roma's first goal beating the offside trap, captain De Rossi converted a penalty in the 58th for the hosts and Kostas Manolas headed the decisive third goal in the 82nd minute to put Roma in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

"This would be a great triumph for any team, but for Roma and considering our story in European competitions, it’s truly incredible," De Rossi said after the match.

"We knew it would be difficult, but we had that little bit of belief. The first leg showed us Barcelona had a lot of quality, but not as much as a few years ago. We knew the gap between us and them wasn’t 4-1," an elated Rossi said.

Crestfallen Barcelona coach Valverde said: "We weren’t capable in any moment of getting in the game because of how they approached the game.''

"They were very strong with second balls and we aren't used to defending like that," the Barcelona coach said. 
&nbsp;

Barca fielded the team that thrashed Roma in the first leg with the help of two own goals

AS Roma made a historic comeback in the Champions League encounter against Barcelona dumping the former champions with an impressive 3-0 scoreline. The hosts overcome a 4-1 deficit from the first game at Nou Camp to reach the last four on away goals reaching the semi-finals for the first time since they reached the European Cup final in 1984. Roma forward Edin Dzeko scored Roma's first goal beating the offside trap, captain De Rossi converted a penalty in the 58th for the hosts and Kostas Manolas headed the decisive third goal in the 82nd minute to put Roma in the semi-finals of the Champions League. "This would be a great triumph for any team, but for Roma and considering our story in European competitions, it’s truly incredible," De Rossi said after the match. "We knew it would be difficult, but we had that little bit of belief. The first leg showed us Barcelona had a lot of quality, but not as much as a few years ago. We knew the gap between us and them wasn’t 4-1," an elated Rossi said. Crestfallen Barcelona coach Valverde said: "We weren’t capable in any moment of getting in the game because of how they approached the game.'' "They were very strong with second balls and we aren't used to defending like that," the Barcelona coach said.

Champions League: Roma crush Barcelona, enter semi-final

Barcelona capitalised on two disastrous own goals by AS Roma to thrash the Italian side 4-1 at the Nou Camp on Wednesday and take a huge step towards reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in three years.

Roma's captain Daniele De Rossi hit an unstoppable shot into his own net to break the deadlock in the 38th minute of what had been a delicately poised first leg and a second own goal 10 minutes into the second half, this time by Greek defender Kostas Manolas, stretched the runaway La Liga leaders' advantage.

Barca defender Gerard Pique piled misery on the Italians four minutes later, mopping up the rebound after Luis Suarez was thwarted by goalkeeper Alisson before Roma's top scorer Edin Dzeko struck at the right end to give his side faint hope of a turnaround in the second leg.

Suarez effectively vanquished those hopes, however, by notching his side's fourth goal three minutes from time, scoring for the first time in the Champions League in over a year.

"We weren't lucky, we hit the post a couple of times and the own goals happened because we kept on putting them under pressure, making sure the ball was in their area far more than ours," Pique told reporters.

"We played very well and that’s why we’ve got such a good result. It would have been better to not concede but we cannot complain, we have got a very good advantage."

Five-times European champions Barca are still unbeaten in La Liga and the Champions League and were overwhelming favourites against Eusebio Di Francesco's side, who are third in Serie A and have never gone beyond the quarter-finals since reaching the 1984 European Cup final.

Roma set up to cancel out Barca and had managed the game well and kept Lionel Messi quiet until De Rossi's untimely own goal, which came as the veteran midfielder tried to prevent the Argentine forward reaching a pass from Andres Iniesta.

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Luis Suárez has 8 goals in his last 11 matches for club and country. ???<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/V6E4H7fkXn">pic.twitter.com/V6E4H7fkXn</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/981629621526515712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Free Header

Dzeko could have won a penalty in the ninth minute when he was pushed over by Nelson Semedo and winger Diego Perotti failed to hit the target from a free header at the start of the second half when they were only a goal down.

Italian forward Lorenzo Pellegrini was also brought down by Samuel Umtiti at the end of the first half, with the referee giving a free kick on the edge of the area rather than the penalty Roma appealed for.

"Of course we made mistakes, but Barca are a good enough team without receiving help from the referee," Di Francesco said.

The visitors suddenly came alive after Pique’s goal had given them a near-impossible task, however.

Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen nearly gifted them a goal when he darted from his area and lost possession but the German recovered to make a brilliant save to deny Roma substitute Gregoire Defrel and he tipped over a long-range strike from the Frenchman a minute later.

Dzeko's close-range finish could have been a rallying cry for the Italians but Suarez showed no mercy down the other end, pouncing on a failed clearance by Federico Fazio and hammering in his first European goal in his last 11 games.

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Barcelona in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a>: 
 
1992 ? 
2006 ? 
2009 ? 
2011 ? 
2015 ? 
2018 ? <a href="https://t.co/KEAJXTWqPO">pic.twitter.com/KEAJXTWqPO</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/981624277748387841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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FC Barcelona capitalised on two disastrous own goals by AS Roma to thrash the Italian side 4-1 at the Nou Camp

Barcelona capitalised on two disastrous own goals by AS Roma to thrash the Italian side 4-1 at the Nou Camp on Wednesday and take a huge step towards reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in three years. Roma's captain Daniele De Rossi hit an unstoppable shot into his own net to break the deadlock in the 38th minute of what had been a delicately poised first leg and a second own goal 10 minutes into the second half, this time by Greek defender Kostas Manolas, stretched the runaway La Liga leaders' advantage. Barca defender Gerard Pique piled misery on the Italians four minutes later, mopping up the rebound after Luis Suarez was thwarted by goalkeeper Alisson before Roma's top scorer Edin Dzeko struck at the right end to give his side faint hope of a turnaround in the second leg. Suarez effectively vanquished those hopes, however, by notching his side's fourth goal three minutes from time, scoring for the first time in the Champions League in over a year. "We weren't lucky, we hit the post a couple of times and the own goals happened because we kept on putting them under pressure, making sure the ball was in their area far more than ours," Pique told reporters. "We played very well and that’s why we’ve got such a good result. It would have been better to not concede but we cannot complain, we have got a very good advantage." Five-times European champions Barca are still unbeaten in La Liga and the Champions League and were overwhelming favourites against Eusebio Di Francesco's side, who are third in Serie A and have never gone beyond the quarter-finals since reaching the 1984 European Cup final. Roma set up to cancel out Barca and had managed the game well and kept Lionel Messi quiet until De Rossi's untimely own goal, which came as the veteran midfielder tried to prevent the Argentine forward reaching a pass from Andres Iniesta. Luis Suárez has 8 goals in his last 11 matches for club and country. ???#UCL pic.twitter.com/V6E4H7fkXn — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 4, 2018 × Free Header Dzeko could have won a penalty in the ninth minute when he was pushed over by Nelson Semedo and winger Diego Perotti failed to hit the target from a free header at the start of the second half when they were only a goal down. Italian forward Lorenzo Pellegrini was also brought down by Samuel Umtiti at the end of the first half, with the referee giving a free kick on the edge of the area rather than the penalty Roma appealed for. "Of course we made mistakes, but Barca are a good enough team without receiving help from the referee," Di Francesco said. The visitors suddenly came alive after Pique’s goal had given them a near-impossible task, however. Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen nearly gifted them a goal when he darted from his area and lost possession but the German recovered to make a brilliant save to deny Roma substitute Gregoire Defrel and he tipped over a long-range strike from the Frenchman a minute later. Dzeko's close-range finish could have been a rallying cry for the Italians but Suarez showed no mercy down the other end, pouncing on a failed clearance by Federico Fazio and hammering in his first European goal in his last 11 games. Barcelona in the #UCL: 1992 ? 2006 ? 2009 ? 2011 ? 2015 ? 2018 ? pic.twitter.com/KEAJXTWqPO — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 4, 2018 ×

Champions League: FC Barcelona defeat AS Roma in quarter-finals 1st leg

FC Barcelona has marked a record as they have registered&nbsp;an 11th&nbsp;consecutive appearance in the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League to clash with AS Roma in the first leg of the round of eight at Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain.

Barca defeated Chelsea in the previous round to reach here. The team is currently in the best form as there is no news of injury and their star player, Lionel Messi is back as he attended&nbsp;the practice session. He was suffering&nbsp;a muscle injury.

The Argentine striker came off the bench to draw the last LaLiga match against Sevilla by scoring an 89th-minute goal to rescue Barca's unbeaten run.

The clash is considered favourable for Catalan side but their coach Ernesto Valverde rejected the notion and said, "Roma are no surprise package, if you look at their matches in the group stages, they played really well."

Roma is very comfortable when they play away match so at Camp Nou they have already earned some advantage. The decisive clash will be at their home ground and they will look to churn out benefits there.

As football is a game of uncertainties but still the probability is still higher on the Spanish giant's side and Barca will look to enter semi-finals of the tournament.

Playing XI (TBC)

Barcelona: Ter Stegen Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba Dembele, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta Messi, Suarez

Roma: Alisson Florenzi, Fazio, Manolas, Kolarov Nainggolan, De Rossi, Strootman El Shaarawy, Dzeko, Perotti

FC Barcelona has marked a record as they have marked eleven consecutive appearance in the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League to clash with AS Roma

FC Barcelona has marked a record as they have registered an 11th consecutive appearance in the quarter-finals of UEFA Champions League to clash with AS Roma in the first leg of the round of eight at Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain. Barca defeated Chelsea in the previous round to reach here. The team is currently in the best form as there is no news of injury and their star player, Lionel Messi is back as he attended the practice session. He was suffering a muscle injury. The Argentine striker came off the bench to draw the last LaLiga match against Sevilla by scoring an 89th-minute goal to rescue Barca's unbeaten run. The clash is considered favourable for Catalan side but their coach Ernesto Valverde rejected the notion and said, "Roma are no surprise package, if you look at their matches in the group stages, they played really well." Roma is very comfortable when they play away match so at Camp Nou they have already earned some advantage. The decisive clash will be at their home ground and they will look to churn out benefits there. As football is a game of uncertainties but still the probability is still higher on the Spanish giant's side and Barca will look to enter semi-finals of the tournament. Playing XI (TBC) Barcelona: Ter Stegen Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba Dembele, Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta Messi, Suarez Roma: Alisson Florenzi, Fazio, Manolas, Kolarov Nainggolan, De Rossi, Strootman El Shaarawy, Dzeko, Perotti

Champions League preview: Barcelona take on AS Roma in quater-finals

Fiorentina captain and defender Davide Astori died of a sudden illness on Sunday morning, the Serie A club said on Twitter.

He was 31 years old.

&quot;Fiorentina is deeply upset to have to announce that its captain Davide Astori has passed away, victim of a sudden illness,&quot; said the statement.

&quot;Due to the terrible and delicate situation, and above all for the respect of his family, an appeal is made to everyone&#39;s sensibility.&quot;

Italian media said that Astori, who had played around a dozen matches for Italy, was found dead in his hotel room.

Astori joined Fiorentina on loan in August 2015 and the club signed him outright one year later.

He previously spent six seasons at Cagliari and one on loan at AS Roma.

Fiorentina&#39;s match at Udinese on Sunday was postponed, Italian media reported.

Fiorentina captain and defender Davide Astori was 31 years old when he died of sudden illness

Fiorentina captain and defender Davide Astori died of a sudden illness on Sunday morning, the Serie A club said on Twitter. He was 31 years old. "Fiorentina is deeply upset to have to announce that its captain Davide Astori has passed away, victim of a sudden illness," said the statement. "Due to the terrible and delicate situation, and above all for the respect of his family, an appeal is made to everyone's sensibility." Italian media said that Astori, who had played around a dozen matches for Italy, was found dead in his hotel room. Astori joined Fiorentina on loan in August 2015 and the club signed him outright one year later. He previously spent six seasons at Cagliari and one on loan at AS Roma. Fiorentina's match at Udinese on Sunday was postponed, Italian media reported.

Davide Astori: Fiorentina captain and Italy international dies at the age of 31

Shakhtar Donetsk&#39;s South American blend proved too strong for AS Roma as goals from Facundo Ferreyra and Fred gave them a 2-1 win in a Champions League tie played in freezing conditions on Wednesday.

The Serie A team appeared to be coasting in the round-of-16 first-leg tie when Cengiz Under put them ahead with his fifth goal in four games four minutes before halftime.

Yet as the temperature dipped towards minus-nine Celsius, Argentine striker Ferreyra took advantage of poor Roma defending to score with an expertly-taken goal in the 52nd minute.

That turned the game on its head and it was no surprise when Brazilian midfielder Fred curled in a free kick off the underside of the crossbar to stun the visitors in the 71st minute.

&quot;The team performed well in the second half,&quot; said Shakhtar&#39;s Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca, whose side reached the knockout stage at the expense of Roma&#39;s fellow Italians Napoli.

&quot;It wasn&rsquo;t easy to keep up that pace after a long winter break. The only reason we didn&#39;t win by a bigger margin was a brilliant display from the Roma keeper.&quot;

Shakhtar, the first team to beat English Premier League leaders Manchester City this season, began with six South American-born players in their lineup, though one of them, Marlos, now plays for Ukraine.

The Pitmen, playing only their second competitive game since a two-month winter break, were on the back foot in the first half and goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov made a double save from Edin Dzeko and Federico Fazio from one of several Roma corners.

Superb saves&nbsp;

Dzeko wasted another attack with a tame shot at Pyatov but made amends by setting up Roma&#39;s goal in the 41st minute.

The Bosnian threaded a clever ball inside Ismaily to Under and, although Pyatov got a hand to the Turk&#39;s shot, he could not prevent it ending up in the net.

The Italian side looked comfortable after the break, as well, but the game turned in the 52nd minute when Shakhtar scored out of the blue.

Yaroslav Rakitskiy played a long ball out of defence which Alessandro Florenzi lunged at but failed to cut out, allowing Ferrerya to break away.

The Argentine took his chance with aplomb, cutting inside Kostas Manolas to slot the ball past Roma keeper Alisson.

Shakhtar took control and Alisson made superb saves from Marlos and Taison before he was beaten by a brilliant free kick from fellow Brazilian Fred, who sent a looping shot over the wall and in off the crossbar.

Yet in stoppage time Alisson made a save to keep out another Ferreyra effort, which could yet prove crucial.

Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco was furious at his team&#39;s second-half display.

&quot;We committed too many schoolboy errors from players who are very experienced,&quot; he said. &quot;My team lacks the ability to maintain momentum and perform when they get into difficulties.&quot;

The Serie A team appeared to be coasting in the round-of-16 first-leg tie when Cengiz Under put them ahead with his fifth goal in four games four minutes before halftime.

Shakhtar Donetsk's South American blend proved too strong for AS Roma as goals from Facundo Ferreyra and Fred gave them a 2-1 win in a Champions League tie played in freezing conditions on Wednesday. The Serie A team appeared to be coasting in the round-of-16 first-leg tie when Cengiz Under put them ahead with his fifth goal in four games four minutes before halftime. Yet as the temperature dipped towards minus-nine Celsius, Argentine striker Ferreyra took advantage of poor Roma defending to score with an expertly-taken goal in the 52nd minute. That turned the game on its head and it was no surprise when Brazilian midfielder Fred curled in a free kick off the underside of the crossbar to stun the visitors in the 71st minute. "The team performed well in the second half," said Shakhtar's Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca, whose side reached the knockout stage at the expense of Roma's fellow Italians Napoli. "It wasn’t easy to keep up that pace after a long winter break. The only reason we didn't win by a bigger margin was a brilliant display from the Roma keeper." Shakhtar, the first team to beat English Premier League leaders Manchester City this season, began with six South American-born players in their lineup, though one of them, Marlos, now plays for Ukraine. The Pitmen, playing only their second competitive game since a two-month winter break, were on the back foot in the first half and goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov made a double save from Edin Dzeko and Federico Fazio from one of several Roma corners. Superb saves Dzeko wasted another attack with a tame shot at Pyatov but made amends by setting up Roma's goal in the 41st minute. The Bosnian threaded a clever ball inside Ismaily to Under and, although Pyatov got a hand to the Turk's shot, he could not prevent it ending up in the net. The Italian side looked comfortable after the break, as well, but the game turned in the 52nd minute when Shakhtar scored out of the blue. Yaroslav Rakitskiy played a long ball out of defence which Alessandro Florenzi lunged at but failed to cut out, allowing Ferrerya to break away. The Argentine took his chance with aplomb, cutting inside Kostas Manolas to slot the ball past Roma keeper Alisson. Shakhtar took control and Alisson made superb saves from Marlos and Taison before he was beaten by a brilliant free kick from fellow Brazilian Fred, who sent a looping shot over the wall and in off the crossbar. Yet in stoppage time Alisson made a save to keep out another Ferreyra effort, which could yet prove crucial. Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco was furious at his team's second-half display. "We committed too many schoolboy errors from players who are very experienced," he said. "My team lacks the ability to maintain momentum and perform when they get into difficulties."

Champions League: Shakhtar Donetsk's South American blend too strong for Roma

Chelsea surrendered the top spot in the Champions League Group C when they drew 1-1 at home against Spain`s Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Chelsea, who had already secured their place in the knockout phase, finished second in the group behind Italy`s AS Roma, while Atletico, finalists in 2014 and 2016, will drop into the Europa League after finishing third.&nbsp;

&quot;Football is about finishing at the end of the day and it`s clear we`ve not done that in the Champions League this year and we have paid the price,&quot; Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.&nbsp;

&quot;It`s not good to be out of the Champions League but there is still a long season ahead and we will be assessed at the end of it.

&quot;It`s not a disaster. It`s a situation that can happen.&quot;

Atletico took the lead in the 56th minute when Saul Niguez headed in at the far post after a flick on by former Chelsea striker Fernando Torres following a corner.

The goal was tough on Chelsea who had created a string of chances while Atletico barely troubled the hosts in the first 45 minutes.&nbsp;

Chelsea`s pressure paid off in the 75th minute when Atletico defender Stefan Savic turned an Eden Hazard cross into his own net, setting up a climactic end to the game as both sides pushed for a winning goal.

Spain striker Alvaro Morata fired at Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak when he looked sure to score and Brazil winger Willian wasted an even better chance when he blazed an effort high and wide in the 82nd minute.

Substitute Michy Batshuayi went close in added time when his angled shot flew just wide of Oblak`s post.

Chelsea`s head coach Antonio Conte was at least content with his side`s attacking intent and creativity looking ahead to the next round.

&quot;We tried to play our game and win. In the first half we tried to push, we created many chances to score and we conceded a goal from a corner,&quot; he said.

&quot;When you play this way and create so much you must be satisfied. Our (next) opponent won`t be happy to play against us.&quot;&nbsp;

Atletico took the lead in the 56th minute when Saul Niguez headed in at the far post after a flick on by former Chelsea striker Fernando Torres following a corner

Chelsea surrendered the top spot in the Champions League Group C when they drew 1-1 at home against Spain`s Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Chelsea, who had already secured their place in the knockout phase, finished second in the group behind Italy`s AS Roma, while Atletico, finalists in 2014 and 2016, will drop into the Europa League after finishing third. "Football is about finishing at the end of the day and it`s clear we`ve not done that in the Champions League this year and we have paid the price," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. "It`s not good to be out of the Champions League but there is still a long season ahead and we will be assessed at the end of it. "It`s not a disaster. It`s a situation that can happen." Atletico took the lead in the 56th minute when Saul Niguez headed in at the far post after a flick on by former Chelsea striker Fernando Torres following a corner. The goal was tough on Chelsea who had created a string of chances while Atletico barely troubled the hosts in the first 45 minutes. Chelsea`s pressure paid off in the 75th minute when Atletico defender Stefan Savic turned an Eden Hazard cross into his own net, setting up a climactic end to the game as both sides pushed for a winning goal. Spain striker Alvaro Morata fired at Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak when he looked sure to score and Brazil winger Willian wasted an even better chance when he blazed an effort high and wide in the 82nd minute. Substitute Michy Batshuayi went close in added time when his angled shot flew just wide of Oblak`s post. Chelsea`s head coach Antonio Conte was at least content with his side`s attacking intent and creativity looking ahead to the next round. "We tried to play our game and win. In the first half we tried to push, we created many chances to score and we conceded a goal from a corner," he said. "When you play this way and create so much you must be satisfied. Our (next) opponent won`t be happy to play against us."

Champions League: Chelsea surrender top spot after draw with Atletico

Luciano Spalletti stepped down as coach of AS Roma on Tuesday, just two days after leading them to a second-place finish in Serie A.

The shaven-headed coach, whose contract expires at the end of June, had taken over for his second stint in charge of the club in January last year.

Roma President James Pallotta said Spalletti, who led them to third spot last season, had made a &quot;significant contribution&quot;.

&ldquo;Under his stewardship this season, the team has won more Serie A points and scored more goals than any side in Roma&rsquo;s history,&quot; said Pallotta.

&ldquo;This club is on a constant path of growth and that will continue with the appointment of a new coach who shares our values and philosophy and who will continue to help us take AS Roma forward.&rdquo;

(Reuters)

Spalletti, whose contract expires at the end of June, had taken over for his second stint in charge of the club in January last year

Luciano Spalletti stepped down as coach of AS Roma on Tuesday, just two days after leading them to a second-place finish in Serie A. The shaven-headed coach, whose contract expires at the end of June, had taken over for his second stint in charge of the club in January last year. Roma President James Pallotta said Spalletti, who led them to third spot last season, had made a "significant contribution". “Under his stewardship this season, the team has won more Serie A points and scored more goals than any side in Roma’s history," said Pallotta. “This club is on a constant path of growth and that will continue with the appointment of a new coach who shares our values and philosophy and who will continue to help us take AS Roma forward.” (Reuters)

Spalletti leaves post as AS Roma coach

AS Roma suffered another European humiliation on Tuesday when they had two players sent off, lost 3-0 at home to Porto and missed out on the Champions League group stage. 
 
After drawing 1-1 in Portugal in the first leg of the playoff tie, Roma started as favourites but never recovered after Felipe gave the visitors an eighth-minute lead. 
 
They imploded completely when Daniele De Rossi and his replacement Emerson Palmieri were shown straight red cards either side of halftime. 
 
Monaco joined Porto when they beat Villarreal 1-0 after a late penalty by Fabinho sealed a 3-1 aggregate win, and Legia Warsaw, Celtic and Ludogorets Razgrad also qualified, although none of them won on the night. 
 
Ten-man Legia drew 1-1 at home with Irish part-timers Dundalk, but progressed 3-1 on aggregate to become the first Polish side to reach the group stage of Europe&#39;s premier club competition for 20 years. 
 
Former European champions Celtic squeezed past Hapoel Beer Sheva 5-4 on aggregate despite a 2-0 loss in Israel and Ludogorets held Viktoria Plzen 2-2 away to secure a 4-2 aggregate win. 
 
Roma became the third successive Serie A team, and the sixth in the last eight seasons, to lose in the playoff round, leaving Italy with only two representatives - Juventus and Napoli - in Thursday&#39;s group-stage draw. 
 
Roma have had their fair share of recent European disasters after losing 6-1 to Barcelona last season and 7-1 at home to Bayern Munich two years ago, but not even they could not have imagined how Tuesday&#39;s game would unfold. 
 
Their initial confidence was shattered when Felipe headed Porto in front from Otavio&#39;s cross but the real trouble began in the 39th minute when midfielder De Rossi was sent off for a high tackle on Maxi Pereira. 
 
Amid angry Roma protests, he was replaced by Palmieri who lasted only 11 minutes before he was dismissed for a shocking lunge. 
 
Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny booked his place in rogue&#39;s gallery with a reckless charge out of his goal which allowed Miguel Layun to slot Porto&#39;s second into an empty net. 
 
Almost immediately, Jesus Corona turned his marker inside out before scoring the third. 
 
Dundalk, beaten 2-0 at home, made a brave effort in Poland and went ahead when Robert Benson thundered home an unstoppable volley in the 19th minute. 
 
The Irish side were given further hope when Legia&#39;s Adam Hlousek was sent off in the 67th minute, but they were caught on the break as Michal Kucharczyk levelled in stoppage time, ending their dream. 
 
(Reuters)

Roma suffered another European humiliation when they had two players sent off

AS Roma suffered another European humiliation on Tuesday when they had two players sent off, lost 3-0 at home to Porto and missed out on the Champions League group stage. After drawing 1-1 in Portugal in the first leg of the playoff tie, Roma started as favourites but never recovered after Felipe gave the visitors an eighth-minute lead. They imploded completely when Daniele De Rossi and his replacement Emerson Palmieri were shown straight red cards either side of halftime. Monaco joined Porto when they beat Villarreal 1-0 after a late penalty by Fabinho sealed a 3-1 aggregate win, and Legia Warsaw, Celtic and Ludogorets Razgrad also qualified, although none of them won on the night. Ten-man Legia drew 1-1 at home with Irish part-timers Dundalk, but progressed 3-1 on aggregate to become the first Polish side to reach the group stage of Europe's premier club competition for 20 years. Former European champions Celtic squeezed past Hapoel Beer Sheva 5-4 on aggregate despite a 2-0 loss in Israel and Ludogorets held Viktoria Plzen 2-2 away to secure a 4-2 aggregate win. Roma became the third successive Serie A team, and the sixth in the last eight seasons, to lose in the playoff round, leaving Italy with only two representatives - Juventus and Napoli - in Thursday's group-stage draw. Roma have had their fair share of recent European disasters after losing 6-1 to Barcelona last season and 7-1 at home to Bayern Munich two years ago, but not even they could not have imagined how Tuesday's game would unfold. Their initial confidence was shattered when Felipe headed Porto in front from Otavio's cross but the real trouble began in the 39th minute when midfielder De Rossi was sent off for a high tackle on Maxi Pereira. Amid angry Roma protests, he was replaced by Palmieri who lasted only 11 minutes before he was dismissed for a shocking lunge. Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny booked his place in rogue's gallery with a reckless charge out of his goal which allowed Miguel Layun to slot Porto's second into an empty net. Almost immediately, Jesus Corona turned his marker inside out before scoring the third. Dundalk, beaten 2-0 at home, made a brave effort in Poland and went ahead when Robert Benson thundered home an unstoppable volley in the 19th minute. The Irish side were given further hope when Legia's Adam Hlousek was sent off in the 67th minute, but they were caught on the break as Michal Kucharczyk levelled in stoppage time, ending their dream. (Reuters)

Champions League: Roma loses 0-3 to Porto, miss group stage

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