Livorno vs AS Roma preview - Maicon eyes return to Euro elite

Maicon says new Roma coach Rudi Garcia has a single aim for the new Serie A season - guiding the Giallorossi back into the Champions League.

The capital club's last tilt at Europe's elite competition came in 2011 and, after a failed attempt to reach the Europa League group stage later that year, Roma have been confined to the peninsula.

Victory in May's Coppa Italia final would have been a last chance to salvage continental football from a disappointing season, but that idea fell by the wayside as fierce city rivals Lazio won that day.

But now French tactician Garcia has been lured from 2011 Ligue 1 champions Lille with a remit to secure a top-three finish.

Summer signings Kevin Strootman, Gervinho, Morgan De Sanctis and Maicon, who returned from a disappointing year with Manchester City, signal the club's ambition and the flying Brazilian full-back is determined to play his part.

He told La Repubblica Sport: "Our plan is to get Roma back into Europe, and I trust my team-mates to do it. We will do everything we possibly can to get into the top three.

"I chose Roma because they wanted me with all their heart and because they came after me persistently.

"I'm just trying to work hard every day - I know how strong I am and I know what qualities I have.

"I hope this adventure with Roma goes well and I am in a great squad with the desire to do my best and have a great season."

Dutch midfielder Strootman is sidelined through injury at Livorno, however, along with striker Mattia Destro, but Maicon should make his debut alongside Mehdi Benatia and in front of goalkeeper De Sanctis.

The Tuscans have no injury concerns as the Stadio Armando Picchi prepares to host its first top-flight game since 2010.

Play-off winners Livorno have responded to those suggesting they will make a swift return to Serie B by signing Inter Milan prospects Alfred Duncan and Ibrahim Mbaye on loan while former Roma midfielder Leandro Greco arrives from Olympiacos determined to make a good impression.

"I've come to Livorno after a good year abroad and now I want to test myself in the big leagues," he said. "I'm here to do well and the fact I know many of my team-mates has helped me settle here."

Livorno took four points from Roma in the 2009-10 season.