Roma to travel without key duo

AS Roma striker Vincenzo Montella and goalkeeper Doni Marangon have been ruled out of Thursday's UEFA Cup Round of 16 trip to Middlesbrough FC, and possibly next week's return in the Italian capital too.

Inflamed back
The 31-year-old Montella was not involved yesterday as Roma's record eleven-match winning run in Serie A was ended with a 1-1 home draw against FC Internazionale Milano, as he needs around ten days to overcome an inflamed back. Brazilian goalkeeper Doni, 26, was injured during the game, picking up a right shoulder problem which cannot be properly assessed until the pain subsides.

Striking problems
Italian Under-21 international Gianluca Curci will keep goal in England this week, although Montella is not as easily replaced as Giallorossi captain Francesco Totti (broken leg) and Shabani Nonda (knee) are also sidelined.