Dzeko out to be Chelsea’s nightmare in decisive showdown
- Sumeet Paul
The 31-year-old bagged a brace in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago, and he’ll carry the pressure of firing Roma to top spot in Group C on his shoulders this time round.
After scoring just eight goals in 31 Serie A appearances in the 2015/16 campaign, the Bosnian international eventually found his feet in Italy last year as he fired in 29 goals in 37 outings.
Importantly, he looks on course to back that up with another fine goalscoring season as he already has seven in 10 league games.
With over 100 Roma appearances under his belt coupled with the Capocannoniere award last season as well as a Ballon d’Or nod earlier this month, Dzeko is in superb form and he’ll be desperate to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.
His strike in the first meeting with Chelsea, a superbly-timed and brilliantly-struck volley, was an exclamation point on just how clinical he can be.
In turn, with so much on the line, Eusebio Di Francesco will look to his talismanic frontman to down Chelsea and Antonio Conte at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday night and ensure that they take a big step towards qualifying for the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Doubts were raised over Di Francesco when he replaced Luciano Spalletti as it was a big step up for him in his coaching career. However, after initial teething problems with his top goalscorer following a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid, Dzeko is leading the charge for the Giallorossi and they’ll be looking to claim three important points.