Roma make the trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal tonight in a Champions League last 16 1st-leg encounter.

Gianluca Vialli believes the appointment of Guus Hiddink as Chelsea coach makes Juventus’ Champions League last-16 clash even more difficult.

Vialli represented both clubs as a player and managed the Blues for 18 months following the sacking of Ruud Gullit.

The Italian believes Juve boss Claudio Ranieri, who also coached Chelsea before being replaced by Jose Mourinho, perhaps has the upper hand, but says the task has been made harder by Hiddink replacing the sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari.

”With the old coach the tie would have been in Juve’s favour,” said Vialli. ”Hiddink has already made an impact. Now they will want to confirm it in Europe.”

Playing the second leg at home should be in Juve’s favour but Vialli is wary of Chelsea’s impressive away form.

”Strangely, it will be harder in Turin because Chelsea play better away from home and get better results,” he continued. ”At home the noise of the crowd urges them forward and they do not always succeed.

”Chelsea are lacking a midfielder like (Michael) Essien. (John Obi) Mikel is still not up to his level. If (Mohamed) Sissoko plays like he did on Saturday, Chelsea should be worried.”

Vialli added: ”There will be fantastic duels. (Didier) Drogba and (Nicolas) Anelka against (Nicola) Legrottaglie and (Giorgio) Chiellini; (Alessandro) Del Piero and Amauri against (John) Terry and Alex.”

Roma make the trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal tonight in a Champions League last 16 1st-leg encounter.

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