Uefa Champions League, First knock-out round, first leg Venue: Emirates Stadium Date: Tuesday, 24 February Kick-off: 1945 GMT Coverage: Score updates on BBC Radio 5 Live with live text commentary on the BBC Sport website
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Riise wary of Arsenal threat
By David Ornstein
When Arsenal welcome Roma in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday, the Gunners will line up against a familiar adversary.
John Arne Riise faced Arsene Wenger's side on 15 occasions as a Liverpool player and was part of the team that knocked them out of Europe last season before leaving for Italy in the summer.
Riise's career at the Stadio Olimpico got off to a poor start as Roma lost eight of their first 12 matches, but they have since won 13 of their last 16 games with the 28-year-old playing in integral role.
In the build-up to Roma's visit to the Emirates Stadium, BBC Sport had an email exchange with the Norwegian full-back.
What was the thinking behind your move to Italy?
"I chose Italy because I needed a change. I wanted to live in a new country, play my football in a different league and learn a new language.
"Rome is a beautiful city and Roma, a huge club, wanted me. I'm very happy with my choice."
Having spent seven years at Liverpool, did you have problems adapting to a new club and a new country?
"At the beginning it was very difficult. I had to get used to a new language, new tactics and a very different style of football.
"In Italy there's a greater focus on technique and possession, while a big factor is the pace of the game, which is a lot slower than in England.
"We didn't play at all well in our opening 10 or so matches and my performances were not good. But as a team we've grown in confidence and I'm starting to play better.
"It's been almost seven months since my move and I'm starting to understand Italian football a lot better. I'm confident that I'll improve with time and from now on our supporters will see the real Riise."
This season, Roma finished top of their Champions League group for the first time - what has been the key to their European form?
"We're a good team and have a number of champions in our side. We care a huge amount about the Champions League because this season the final will be played in Rome, at our home ground, and we'll do everything we can to reach it."
Riise scored a fine breakaway goal against Arsenal at Highbury in 2002
Do you agree with the perception that, coinciding with the rise of English clubs, Italian teams are on the decline in European competition?
"From what I've seen and been involved in, just take Roma's victory over Chelsea in the group stages, the European games between Italian clubs and those from the other big footballing countries are very balanced.
"From a Roma perspective, I have no doubt we can perform and beat any other Champions League team.
"It's difficult to say it if the Premier League is stronger than Serie A.
"They are very different leagues but the one thing they have in common is that there are many great players in both, so there can't be much to choose between them."
What was your reaction when you saw Roma had drawn Arsenal in the last 16?
"I thought, 'That's an OK draw, I know them very well and it'll be a good, even match'. "
Is there any particularly memory you have of Arsenal from your time in England?
"It would have to be the equaliser I scored in Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Highbury in 2002, that was a great memory."
Do you see yourself staying at Roma for the foreseeable future or would you like to move?
"I'm happy in Rome and enjoying my football with Roma. I hope to stay here for a long time."
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