Roma v Madrid: Meet the Class of 2008

When Roma last met Real Madrid at Stadio Olimpico, Chilean midfielder David Pizarro was in the Giallorossi team that shocked the Spanish giants with a 2-1 win.

As the two teams prepare to do battle again tonight, Pizarro talks through his 10 team-mates from that unforgettable night…

Alexander Maragon Doni

“He had some fantastic years at Roma and in the 2007-08 season he produced several excellent performances, both in Serie A and the Champions League. I think he only missed one match in any competition all year.”

Christian Panucci

“A defender with bags of experience. He was comfortable playing on the big stage and he brought a sense of conviction to the whole defence with his charisma. His career speaks for itself – as well as Roma he played at other top clubs like AC Milan, Real Madrid, Inter and Chelsea.”

Philippe Mexes

"Back then he was one of the best central defenders in the league and everyone respected him. He ensured he got respect on the pitch and that year his defensive performances were a key part of us achieving our objectives in Serie A and the cups.”

Juan

“He was an elegant defender – a proper Brazilian centre-back. He was capable of emerging from tight spots with the ball at his feet in this perfect, stylish way. Plus he had a unique ability for shielding the ball. He was a top defender.”

Marco Cassetti

“He owned the right flank, from the defence right up to the opposition box, and really helped the forwards out with his bursts forward. He had a great engine. I think that season – and his time at Roma as a whole – was the best period of his career because he knew exactly how to implement Spalletti’s ideas on the pitch.”

Daniele De Rossi

“One of the best central midfielders in Europe and the whole world, especially back then. It was no coincidence that there were some big offers made for him – though he rejected them all out of love for Roma. He was my partner in the centre of midfield and we had a fantastic understanding between us. We also got on really well off the pitch and that had a positive effect during matches.”

Ludovic Giuly

“He was a player that could fill a range of positions. Even though he joined Roma from Barcelona when they were reigning European champions, he was very down to earth and slotted into the group really easily, in part because he’s a very friendly guy. He made the difference on the pitch because he was an experienced, quality player. He really helped us during his stay at the club.”

Simone Perrotta

“An honest person, both on and off the pitch. At Roma he found his perfect position. Spalletti devised that role especially for him and it was no coincidence that he went on to win the World Cup with Italy playing there. He played a very important role for us, because it meant that the opposition had to worry about several players as the shot could come from anywhere.”

Amantino Mancini

“I think the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons were the best of his career. He’d gained a level of maturity by then and was able to score lots of goals and showcase his talents on the huge international stage that is the Champions League. Aside from that game against Real, I’ll never forget the extraordinary goal he scored against Lyon the year before. He was an old-fashioned winger with a nose for goal, a great engine and impressive technical ability.”

Francesco Totti

“Il Capitano is a player with the kind of technical skill and footballing intelligence that come around once every 100 years. It’s a pleasure to watch him play and I had the honour of being his team-mate. He’s a special person away from the pitch and a unique player on it. As part of Spalletti’s 4-2-3-1 formation, he scored a hatful of goals and it was no surprise he won the Golden Shoe in 2007.”