TROMSØ/BASEL, Oct 20 (SW) - Roma claimed victory in their opening Group E match in the UEFA Cup on Thursday with a win at Tromsø while Strasbourg took three points away to Basel.

Tromsø - Roma 1-2

Tromsø, who claimed the scalp of Galatasaray in the first round of the UEFA Cup fell a goal down on 35 minutes when Samuel Kuffour scored on a header after a corner by Christian Panucci, leaving Luciano Spalletti's side front.

However, nine minutes later, the Norwegians found themselves level thanks to a volley by Ole Martin Årst as he converted a pinpoint cross from Bjørn Johansen with Nicola Marangon beaten in the Roma net.

The match was headed for a draw but with six minutes to play, Leandro Cufré struck from inside the area to give Roma a lead, but Simone Perrotta was ruled out of their next match with Strasbourg on Matchday 3 after he was sent off with a straight red card for a foul on Stephen Ademolu.

Basel - Strasbourg 0-2

Ten-man Basel were beaten at St. Jakob Park thanks to two first-half goals by Strasbourg.

Amara Diané put the visitors in front on 15 minutes when he turned in a cross by Arthur Boka for a 1-0 lead and then Boka doubled the advantage ten minutes after when he beautifull hit a free kick past goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler for 2-0.

Basel were then down to ten players seven minutes later when Patrick Müller hauled down Diané as he broke toward goal, leaving referee Mark Halsey no choice but to produce a red card.