Read everything the boss had to say ahead of Wednesday’s game against Fiorentina…
The match at the Stadio Olimpico gets underway at 21:00 local time.
Are Cengiz Under, Javier Pastore and Lorenzo Pellegrini back available?
“I’ve not had them available for long so my job is to put my medical hat on and think carefully about who can play from the start, keeping in mind the fact that I can only make three subs. They are available, but to an extent.”
Will Sunday’s defeat and the 7-1 loss in the Coppa Italia spur the team on?
“I hope so – I hope those defeats provide us with motivation to respond. Many of the seven goals conceded in the cup game came from long balls over the defence, which is something that Fiorentina are very good at regardless of who plays. We need to focus on not giving them the space to attack to do it again.”
Are Roma lacking the kind of player that can win the ball back? Can Steven Nzonzi and Daniele De Rossi work as a midfield pairing?
“You’re right in saying that, but playing with two central midfielders can give us a filter. You can make different choices when you have everyone available.”
Given that you don’t have time to build an attacking identity at the moment, could players that are able to beat a man represent a key asset?
“I think so, but the most important thing is to consider who is in good shape physically. I make a lot of considerations: who is good at the one-on-ones, who is capable of playing the full 90 minutes, who has recovered… I’ll take all of that into account in choosing the starting line-up for tomorrow.”
How are Edin Dzeko and Patrik Schick? Could one of them start from the bench?
“Maybe – we’ll see how they are. I need to look at Dzeko, who has picked up knocks to his hip and ankle.”
