Culio set for big night

Posted Tuesday, September 28, 2010 by PA

Cluj midfielder Juan Culio is looking forward to returning to the venue of his club's most memorable success when they face Roma in their Champions League Group E clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Romanians travelled to Italy for their first fixture in Europe's premier club competition in 2008, and stunned their hosts with a 2-1 success.

Culio, 27, got both the visitors' goals that night after they had fallen behind to a Christian Panucci effort and he is hoping there can be another "dream" result at the end of 90 minutes, especially with his side full of confidence after beating Basle 2-1 in their first group game.

"I'm happy I've the opportunity to listen to the Champions League anthem again, especially here with Cluj," the Argentinian midfielder told uefa.com.

"Fate has enabled me to play at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome again.

"What happened two years ago was a dream and I'm so happy that what I and the team did in that match is still remembered by many. I'm sure we are a stronger and much more experienced team than in 2008 and that we will be able to perform at least as well."

Roma boss Claudio Ranieri was not in charge of the Giallorossi for their defeat 24 months ago, but he has warned his side, who lost their opening group fixture against Bayern Munich, that to avoid a repeat they must be focused and not underestimate their opponents.

The former Chelsea and Juventus manager also believes that Europe's more-established teams need to be wary of the increasing threat of the game's ever-improving minnows.

"Teams who haven't played in the Champions League much have this willingness, this determination and motivation," he said. "While you may have more technical qualities or play in a tougher league, the gap is getting smaller and smaller."

Roma have had a difficult start to the season, but they picked up their first Serie A win of the season against defending champions Inter Milan on Saturday.

And Ranieri hopes that win can kick-start their season.

He said: "This win gives the players even more conviction, determination and is just the tonic the boys were missing. They worked until the last second for the victory, and this spirit should be brought into the Champions League.

"We are dealing with a side from Romania whom we lost to two years ago and we must be ready."