Definitely not cowards. I predict the same sort of violence that occured last year when Boro played them. I have never been one to believe the Italian police are genuine. I've been to Italy a few times now, and any time I required their help they almost laughed at me. They don't give a flying feck about our traveling fans, and if there are injuries, stabbings or even deaths, the police will wash their hands and say there was nothing they could do.
Like posted above, it is down to the fotball governing bodies to lay down the law on this bullshit, and if there is a hint of trouble that Roma get banned. Then you'd really see the club taking this problem by the horns.
You'd think in this day and age that controlling football firms would be a piece of piss