Totti celebrates 100 appearances in Europe with throwback display

Francesco Totti earned just his third start of the season Thursday against Austria Vienna, but it came with an important footnote.

The 40-year-old has now made 100 appearances in European competition, a remarkable feat for the Roma legend, who's reluctantly accepted a diminished role in the squad.

Manager Luciano Spalletti has turned to the club's eternal captain for Europa League duty almost on an exclusive basis. Totti didn't feature in recent Serie A matches against Inter and Napoli, but Spalletti wasn't going to deny the fan favourite a piece of football history.

Totti recorded two assists at the Stadio Olimpico - including a wonderful looping ball for Stephan El Shaarawy - though his effort wasn't enough to keep the visitor at bay.

Vienna scored in the 82nd and 84th minutes to erase a 3-1 deficit and take home a share of the spoils in Group E action.