Roma must advance to secure future, says Capello

AS ROMA coach Fabio Capello believes the ailing club's future rests on whether they can secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League tonight.

Roma, who lost their first three second phase matches, will qualify for the last eight if they beat Dutch champions Ajax and Valencia and Arsenal draw the night's other Group B match.

The Italians, who are lying in 10th position in Serie A after a disastrous season, can also book a quarter-final place if they beat Ajax 1-0 or 2-1 and Arsenal win in Spain.

A win or a draw for Ajax will see the Dutch go through. President Franco Sensi has promised a massive cash injection for new players if Roma advance to the knock-out phase.

It is believed the capital club will make summer swoops for Ajax's Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Chievo's highly-rated defender Nicola Legrottaglie and Brescia's Ghanaian international Stephan Appiah.

But should Roma exit the Champions League, huge changes are expected to be made, one of which could see Capello lose his job.

Asked if Roma's future depended on qualification for the last eight, Capello replied: "There's no doubt about that. If we go through it would give back the enthusiasm that has been missing from the squad this year and keep the president happy. If the president does not invest in the club, we can say goodbye to our ambitions.

"We need new players so that we can aim higher, otherwise we will have to change our objectives and throw in some youngsters."

Capello said it would be a fantastic achievement for Roma to progress, considering almost everyone had written off their chances after defeats at home to Arsenal and Valencia and away to Ajax.

"We were dead in the Champions League, but we have given ourselves a lifeline and we are close to the finishing line. To make it through to the quarter-finals would be impressive with a capital I."

Roma's task, which is not entirely in their hands, is made all the more harder by the suspensions of captain and leading goalscorer Francesco Totti and stylish Argentine centre-back Walter Samuel.

Capello also has a defensive injury crisis on his hands with Brazilian Aldair, Frenchman Jonathan Zebina and Greek international Traianos Dellas all carrying knocks.

Romanian international Christian Chivu is expected to start for Ajax after being rested for Sunday's 2-1 home win over Excelsior Rotterdam.