Chelsea face a tough test tonight coming off two bad results headfirst into a strong Roma side. They must get stuck in to them from the start to stand a chance.
This is not a side of the quality of Manchester City, who comprehensively showed Chelsea up a couple of weeks ago, or of Napoli, their opposition last night, but it’s still a side full of quality players who will seriously threaten a home side who are on the verge of a serious wobble.
Antonio Conte knows some of these names well: El Sharaawy, Florenzi, De Rossi. Radja Nainggolan has been on his list for some time. Despite their injuries there are quality players in this side with a lot of experience.
Chelsea must make sure their own game comes to the fore tomorrow, and they must be aggressive from the start in disrupting Roma. The Italians will grow into the game if given the chance, and Conte must ensure a fast and penetrative start that takes the game to them.
Taking the low intensity of the Palace game into this one would be a huge mistake.
