Roma 2-1 Basel: Totti & Vucinic Fire Giallorossi Into Europa League Last 32

Roma have booked their place in the next round with a game to spare after edging Basel in match day five of the Europa League at the Stadio Olimpico.

Benjamin Huggel gave his side the lead after 18 minutes against the run of play. Roma's equaliser arrived courtesy of their captain Francesco Totti who won and converted a penalty. Mirko Vucinic then made it 2-1 in the second half with a well taken finish to clinch the points for his side.

Basel failed to conquer Rome, but they had their chances. Carlitos went in on his own as he skipped past Simone Perrotta and Philippe Mexes. He had the first real sight of goal, but sent his shot high over Julio Sergio’s goal. Seconds later the attacking midfielder teed up Huggel inside the box. He took a touch to control and fired towards goal, but his effort was charged down.

Roma took their time getting into the game. Daniele De Rossi, who was wearing a protective face mask, switched the ball across to Mirko Vucinic who ran in behind Samuel Inkoom, but the Montenegrin’s first touch let him down and the ball went out for a goal kick.

Neither side set the Stadio Olimpico alight. It was a cold night in Rome, but the play on the pitch didn’t do anything to raise temperatures in the stands. The Italians tried to exert pressure on their opponents. Vucinic again went on a nice run, but was closed down at the last by Behrang Safari.

Down the other end, De Rossi’s casual pass allowed Fabian Frei time and space, but he fizzed his effort woefully wide and high of the mark. The Giallorossi continued to press, but despite creating several half chances, they were unable to make their slick play count. De Rossi’s passing was palatable and he continued to feed Vucinic, but the hitman was unable to chances.

They were made to pay for their misses though. Basel captain Huggel did well to latch onto a brilliant cross from the left wing  by Valentin Stocker and he buried his header past Sergio after 18 minutes. Questions were asked over the Giallorossi’s defending though as coach Claudio Ranieri showed his discontent from the bench.

Totti slipped in Vucinic with a classy ball, but the striker smashed his effort straight at Stefan Wessels in goal as his side tried to respond. Wessels got his side out of jail once again. Vucinic found Simone Perrotta, who beat the offside trap, he tried to chip the goalkeeper, but hit the ball at him. Credit has to go to Wessels for the way he stood firm.

Ranieri’s side were getting closer. Perrotta had another fine chance after volleying from De Rossi’s flick on. Once again it was the Basel ‘Keeper who got down well to divert the ball from flashing into his near post. Roma’s perseverance paid off. Totti was hauled to the ground by Marcos Gelabert as the Italian tried to head David Pizarro’s cross. Gelabert was booked as the referee pointed to the spot.

Totti won the penalty and scored it. He buried his effort into the bottom right corner. Wessels got a touch, but was beaten by the power behind the effort.

The initiative was with the Italian outfit. It was almost a shooting gallery for them as they had come back into the tie strongly. Vucinic curled his effort towards the top corner, but was again denied by a fine save. Thorsten Fink’s side couldn’t get their ideas together as they stayed on the back foot.

Huggel should have scored his brace seconds after the restart. He latched onto Stocker's cross but sent his header straight at Sergio.
It was then Stocker's turn to have a crack at goal, but he fizzed his effort wide.

Roma looked dangerous as Totti fed Cicinho, only for the Brazilian to get under the ball and send his effort high from the edge of the box.

Vucinic, who was guilty of missing several earlier chances, fired his side ahead just before the hour mark. De Rossi's super through ball cut the Basel defence to shreds and the Montenegrin sent his low left-foot drive into the bottom corner.

The Swiss outfit tried, but failed to get back into the game. The Italians held on to book their place in the last 32.

-Goal.com