The yellow-reds have only won once in 20 matches played in the United Kingdom, specifically on Liverpool’s home turf. In the other 19 matches, there have been 6 draws and 13 defeats.

Three points above the relegation zone, Claudio Ranieri’s vessel is miles away from the coast, with a hole in the hull and caught in the doldrums. Having faced the Serie A leader, it’s now Tottenham’s turn. In its history, Rome doesn’t exactly have a great tradition: it has only claimed victory in England once out of 20 matches. This sole triumph took place in 2001 on Liverpool’s home ground, a victory that, nevertheless, proved inconsequential since the English team won 2-0 in the first leg of the round of 16. In the other 19 matches, however, there were 6 draws and 13 defeats. Since Ange Postecoglou took over the reins, in North London a forward-thinking, fast football style is being played that is catching almost everyone by surprise. This year Tottenham is: the top team in all of Europe for pressing (PPDA, passes per defensive action), first in England for both scored goals and expected goals, second for shots on target, touches in the opposition box and ball possession – at home, they average 2.67 goals scored. The squad is constructed with three players (with Vicario acting as the lower vertex) + 2 midfielders – usually Bissouma and Sarr – with Kulusevski and Son causing fear on the flanks and in counterattacks. However, the entire Postecoglou system is based on the dream of every yellow and red fan: two technical and attacking fullbacks, who during possession rise to the level of the attacking midfielders and defensively close off any openings. In London, there will be a need for both determination and cohesion – both witnessed in Naples after months of total darkness – to face up against a youthful and hungry team. The 4-4-2 formation is likely the best strategy to counter Postecoglou’s play (complicating the central setup in a 2+2), and Roma will conduct the match following the same principles of the ‘Maradona’ away game: a low block, central density and little distance between the midfield and defence lines. Speed and quality will be needed on the flanks to shelter from the storm of goals and, perhaps even to retaliate with a counterattack. Ranieri is accustomed to titanic feats (such as the title with Leicester or his years at Cagliari) but this one seems truly impossible, even for someone like him. Federico Liuti