Roma have made a stuttering start to the new season but were expected to comfortably see off Cluj who currently sit seventh in the Romanian league and were making their debut in Europe's premier club competition.

Things seemed to be going according to plan when Christian Panucci opened the scoring in the 17th minute but Culio equalised 10 minutes later and then stunned the Stadio Olimpico when he fired the minnows into the lead four minutes into the second half.

Cluj deservedly held on to take all three points but questions will be asked of the Roma defence, while the performances of the Giallorossi's new signings such as John Arne Riise and Julio Baptista will not have impressed the fans.

The only good news of the night for the hosts was the return to action of Francesco Totti, who came off the bench in the second half for only his second appearance since April.

Yssouf Kone fired an early warning to Roma as he came close to giving Cluj a surprise lead in the 11th minute with a fierce shot from just outside the are but Doni did well to save.

Mirko Vucinic then twice went close in two minutes as he first volleyed Joao Cicinho's cross inches wide of the right upright and then saw another effort crash off the left hand post.

Roma went ahead when Daniele De Rossi robbed a Cluj defender before whipping in a cross which Panucci headed past Cluj goalkeeper Eduard Stancioiu.

However, the visitors were not looking like the group whipping boys many thought they would be before the match began and soon started to pile on the pressure.

Sebastian Dubarbier came to close to levelling in the 22nd minute with a fierce shot from just outside the area which was straight at Doni and the goalkeeper parried to safety.

However, the Romanians deservedly equalised five minutes later when a terrific flick-on by Dubarbier was fired into the bottom right corner by Culio.

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Roma pushed hard to regain the advantage put found it hard against a Cluj side who had grown in confidence since the equaliser.

There was more bad news to come for the hosts as Panucci limped off seconds after half-time clutching his back.

Things went from bad to worse for Roma when Culio fired Cluj into the lead four minutes after the restart.

Marco Cassetti headed a cross away but only as far as Culio who fired into the bottom right corner with a splendid left-footed volley.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti threw on Totti three minutes later but the Giallorossi talisman was obviously still far from his best.

The Romanians could have extended their lead as a Gabriel Muresan free-kick sailed inches wide and Kone's header flew just over the bar before Sixto Peralta almost settled matters with a fierce effort that crashed back off the underside of the bar.