The Champions League qualifying clash between Virtus and FCSB promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Here’s a comprehensive preview, including predictions, team news, and lineups for the upcoming match.
Match Preview
Virtus will host FCSB at the Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle on Tuesday in the first leg of the first round of the Champions League qualification playoffs.
Virtus Form and Team News
Virtus comes into this match on the back of an impressive 2023-24 season, where they topped San Marino’s Campionato with 79 points.
They significantly improved from the previous season, accumulating 22 more points and securing their first league title.
Under the management of Luigi Bizzotto, who has been at the helm since July 2019, Virtus scored 60 goals and conceded only 20 last term. However, they recently faced a setback, losing the Coppa Titano on penalties to La Fiorita.
Key Players
Simone Benincasa: Top scorer for Virtus, expected to lead the attack.
Ivan Buonocunto: Veteran midfielder who played 108 minutes in their recent penalty shootout defeat.
FCSB Form and Team News
FCSB, the Romanian champions, also had a successful 2023-24 season, topping their regular season standings and winning their championship playoff group.
Managed by Elias Charalambous since March 2023, FCSB scored 53 goals and conceded 28, showcasing a strong defensive and offensive balance.
They enter this match after winning their last three games, including a 3-0 victory in the Supercupa final against Corvinul Hunedoara.
Injuries and Suspensions
Alexandru Pantea: Out with a ligament injury.
Octavian Popescu: Underwent foot surgery in June.
Florinel Coman: Top scorer whose participation is doubtful due to his recent involvement in Euro 2024.
Predicted Lineups
Virtus
Formation: 4-3-3
Starting XI: Passaniti; Battistini, Sabato, Lucia, Piscaglia; Golinucci, Montanari, Buonocunto; Pecci, Benincasa, Tortori.
FCSB
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI: Vlad; Antwi, Dawa, Chiriches, Radunovic; Alhassan, Lixandru; Stefanescu, Baluta, Radaslavescu; Miculescu.
Prediction
Despite Virtus's strong domestic form, they are likely to struggle against the more experienced and established FCSB.
The Romanian side is expected to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.
Virtus 
FCSB 
