[dukeofdavinci]

Totti intrigued by Real clash Friday 21 December, 2007

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Francesco Totti and Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic trust their Champions League clash will be an entertaining affair.


“It is going to be a very intriguing and fascinating challenge,” said the Roma captain after today’s Champions League draw.


The Giallorossi have been paired with the Spanish champions with the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico on February 19 and the return match at the Bernabeu on Wednesday March 5.


The other Serie A sides drew English clubs out of the hat, as Inter face Liverpool and Milan take on Arsenal.


“It was a very difficult draw for the Italian teams,” added Totti. He has barely featured since sustaining an ankle injury against Sporting Lisbon in October.


“I will be able to play against Sampdoria this weekend,” assured the Roma captain.


This is not the first time that the Giallorossi have crossed paths with Real and although they have lost four of their six meetings, Totti did grab a 1-0 victory in Madrid in 2002-03.


“Roma are difficult opponents because they have excellent players, so both clubs will enjoy a fascinating tie,” commented sporting director Mijatovic.


"We know Roma well enough because we have faced them recently in the Champions League. We have every respect for them but I think we have a decent chance of qualifying."


This season Real have already visited Rome, held 2-2 by Lazio in the group phase before beating the Biancocelesti 3-1 at the Bernabeu.


Madrid’s record in Italy is poor with just four wins and 14 defeats in 23 attempts

rally our troops il capitano!!