ROME: Kick-starting their key eight-month campaign that involves two top events, Qatar players on Saturday launched their training under the watchful eyes of coach Djamel Belmadi. Qatar squad of 30 players and backroom staff arrived in Rome two days ago to begin their eight-month phase that includes the Gulf Cup in November and the Asian Cup in January 2015. The players will be playing friendly matches and undergoing special training sessions in the coming days. Qatar will play against Macedonia in a friendly during this training camp. This is the first overseas trip for the Qatar squad now being coached by Belmadi.