体坛英语新闻：Roma lose to Basel 3-1 in Champions League

ROME, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Rome put on a dismal performance at home as they lost to visiting Basel 3-1 on Tuesday.

Basel went ahead thanks to Alexander Frei who scored in the 12th minute at the Stadio Olimpico, and though Marco Borriello hit in the equalizer for Roma in the 21st, Basel right back Samuel Inkoom of Ghana restored the visitor's lead with his first goal in Europe in the 44th.

Basel midfielder Cabral dribbled through Roma's defense to seal the win in injury time.

Claudio Ranieri, Roma's coach, rued his side's dispirited show, especially in the first half

"We didn't win a tackle in the first half. I can't explain the change in attitude," he said.

"The goal conceded on the stroke of half-time was a real blow, as we created so much and couldn't finish off our chances.

"We have to keep working, but the approach in the first half was not the same as Genoa. Basel had plenty of possession and scored twice. We fought back in the second half and had many scoring opportunities, but at the moment things just aren't going our way," he added.

Francesco Totti, the 34-year-old captain of the home team, had several opportunities but couldn't convert them, going scoreless for the 11th consecutive match since the start of the season.