Roma give Francesco Totti a new role in the starting XI, closing off the Europa League group stage against Astra Giurgiu.

It kicks off in Bucharest at 18.00 GMT, follow all today’s games on the Liveblog.

The Giallorossi have already secured top spot in Group E thanks to three wins and two draws, but have an unbeaten record to protect.

Roma give Francesco Totti a new role in the starting XI, closing off the Europa League group stage against Astra Giurgiu.

It kicks off in Bucharest at 18.00 GMT, follow all today’s games on the Liveblog.

The Giallorossi have already secured top spot in Group E thanks to three wins and two draws, but have an unbeaten record to protect.

Astra require a victory to be sure of qualification to the Round of 32, or for Austria Vienna to falter with Viktoria Plzen in the other game.

When these sides met at the Stadio Olimpico, it ended 4-0 for Roma, but Luciano Spalletti is rotating the squad amid injury concerns and Monday’s upcoming Serie A showdown with Milan.

It is a very important match for two players at least, because Thomas Vermaelen gets his first start since August 28, while it’s the last chance for Juan Manuel Iturbe to prove himself before the January transfer window opens.

Totti is apparently fielded as a False 9, a role he hasn’t filled in a very long time, supported by Stephan El Shaarawy, Emerson Palmieri and Iturbe.

Among those who haven’t even made the trip are Mohamed Salah, Kostas Manolas, Daniele De Rossi, Antonio Rudiger, Diego Perotti and Federico Fazio.

Astra have Junior Morais and Geraldo Alves suspended, but are still looking for their first European home win of the campaign.

Former Inter youth academy striker Denis Alibec leads the attack with experienced captain Cristian Sapunaru in midfield.

Astra Giurgiu: Lung; Sapunaru, Oros, Fabricio, Stan; Nicoara, Seto, Lovin, Teixeira; Alibec, Budescu

Astra bench: Gavrilas, Florea, Moise, Mansaly, Niculae, Ionita, Gheorghe

Roma: Alisson; Bruno Peres, Vermaelen, Juan Jesus, Seck; Strootman, Gerson; El Shaarawy, Iturbe, Emerson Palmieri; Totti

Roma bench: Szczesny, Nainggolan, Dzeko, Franchi, Frattesi, De Santis, Marchizza

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