City opened their Europa League campaign with a victory in Romania thanks to super Mario playing the super-sub role. Roberto Mancini demonstrated his Italian heritage with a cautious opening giving way to an attacking finale that could have seen the blues score more.
With uncertainty over Shay Given’s future, Joe Hart started in goal and kept the Irishman from being cup-tied. Zabaleta replaced Micah at right-back and it will be interesting to see which of them starts against Liverpool. Was this rotation or was Micah dropped after his struggles against Gareth Bale? Only Mancini knows.
