Smash hit

Scolari would prefer to dwell on the start of the match, in which only a series of outstanding saves from Doni, the Brazil goalkeeper, kept Roma on level terms. Lampard and Deco were outstanding in the opening exchanges, but even their excellence could not be truly celebrated as they failed to take advantage.

Doni’s acrobatic saves after long-range shots from both of them meant that they could not be held personally accountable, but the same cannot be said for Malouda, who was played repeatedly into good positions down the left, only to blast woefully wide.

Chelsea must learn to convert such chances if they are to challenge for the top prizes this season, as this reconnaissance exercise fell desperately flat. Scolari’s preparations began by taking his players to St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, but they would have been better advised to take in the stunning spectacle that is the Trevi Fountain.

According to local legend, visitors who throw a coin into the fountain are guaranteed to return to Rome, which on this evidence may be Chelsea’s best bet of coming back next year.

Roma (4-1-3-2): Doni — Cicinho, Juan, P Mexès, C Panucci — D De Rossi — S Perrotta (sub: R Taddei, 72min), M D Pizarro, M Brighi — F Totti (sub: J Baptista, 61), M Vucinic (sub: J A Riise, 88). Substitutes not used: Artur, S Loria, M Tonetto, J Menez. Booked: De Rossi, Perrotta.

Chelsea (4-1-4-1): P Cech — J Bosingwa (sub: S Kalou, 62), Alex, J Terry, W Bridge — J O Mikel — J Cole (sub: J Belletti, 46), Deco, F Lampard, F Malouda (sub: D Drogba, 46) — N Anelka. Substitutes not used: C Cudicini, B Ivanovic, F Di Santo, P Ferreira. Booked: Deco. Sent off: Deco.

Referee: L Medina Cantalejo (Spain).

* * * * *

Outnumbered

3: Seasons since Chelsea last trailed by three goals in a game

23: Before last night, 23 of the previous 24 goals in Chelsea games had been scored by Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side

6: Deco yellow cards (including last night’s two) in his past nine Chelsea games

8: Liverpool equalising or winning goals from 80th minute onwards this season

22: Liverpool attempts at goal, to Atlético Madrid’s six. Chelsea had 21 to Roma’s 14