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Fabio Capello insists Real Madrid should not expect an easy ride when they meet Roma in the Champions League last 16 next Wednesday.
The 69-year-old coach, who has won league titles with both clubs, pointed to Roma's upturn in results and improved confidence following the appointment of Luciano Spalletti as reasons why Zinedine Zidane's team should be wary of the Giallorossi.
"Roma are a dangerous side – don't go thinking they'll be easy to beat,” Capello declared on a Spanish radio show ahead of the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico on 17 February.
“Spalletti's come in and they've won three in a row now. They're playing well and the players have more belief in themselves and in the coach.”
The former England and Russia manager, who played for Roma in the late Sixties and guided them to Scudetto glory and Italian Super Cup success in 2001, then sought to explain the Giallorossi's new-found form.
“Roma need to improve in a number of areas but they're playing with a new formation and look well organised now. They press opponents higher up the pitch, they don't sit back and they make it hard for you.
“They also have lots of quality players who are in good physical shape at the moment.
“I'll say it again: Real Madrid will have a hard time beating them.”
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