Roma vs Real Madrid team news: Zinedine Zidane makes two changes, Edin Dzeko dropped to the bench

The former Manchester City striker is dropped in place of Miralem Pjanic

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane (Getty Images)

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has made two changes to his side for his Champions League managerial debut.

The 43-year-old Frenchman has brought experienced full-back Marcelo into the starting line-up in place of Danilo.

In midfield, Isco, who often found himself on the sidelines under former boss Rafael Benitez, starts in place of Mateo Kovačić.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice in Saturday's 4-2 win over Athletic Bilbao, starts in the attacking trident alongside Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez.

Gareth Bale remains unavailable with a calf problem. The Wales international has not appeared for Los Blancos since last month's home win over Sporting Gijon.

Former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko does not start for Roma. The 29-year-old has struggled for consistency since moving to the Stadio Olimpico and Diego Perotti is preferred up top by head coach Luciano Spalletti.

Miralem Pjanic starts in the Bosnia and Herzegovina international's place, having sat out of the 3-1 win over Serie A stragglers Carpi at the weekend.

Mohamed Salah, who scored once and assisted twice in that victory, overcomes a slight injury problem to play.

Line-ups

Roma: Szczesny; Florenzi, Manolas, Rudiger, Digne; Vainqueur, Pjanic; Salah, Nainggolan, El Shaarawy; Perotti

Substitutes: De Sanctis, Maicon, Keita, De Rossi, Falque, Totti, Dzeko

Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco; James, Benzema, Ronaldo

Substitutes: Casilla, Nacho, Casemiro, Kovacic, Lucas Vazquez, Jese, Danilo