Roma manager Eusebio Di Francesco held his usual pre-match press conference today ahead of the Giallorossi’s clash against Inter tomorrow at the Olimpico, here are his words:
What sort of steps are you expecting in tomorrow’s match?
Definitely a performance from the technical point of view. I have seen the team has grown considerably from a teamwork point of view and being more physically fit. We had a great week and the guys will give their response on the pitch, but I expect higher quality in our play in attack.
Tomorrow is the first big match, what are the dangers of Inter?
Luciano Spalletti has done a great job, as seen in their first match, pushing forward their quality and having clear ideas. The great start has favored them, but at the same time, they have important and high quality players, especially at the front, but I also like their midfield.
Manolas or Juan Jesus as right back?
We still have one training session left, sometimes you have more news than I do. I will take some time and evaluate, we can not totally change the team within 5 days. It takes time to assimilate what I ask, but I will make a decision today.
Would you like to win the duel with Inter on the pitch tomorrow or on the transfer market with Schick? The Champions League?
I’m not thinking about the transfer market, only Inter and the desire to win and working well and giving strength and conviction to this team. As for the Champions League group it is difficult, but this should be expected when you’re in the third pot, anything can happen. I am confident and I like to be optimistic, I’m convinced we’ll play great until the end. The footballing identity of our team can only grow.
Can Nainggolan’s failure to be called by Belgium make him more of a nightmare tomorrow?
I always see him motivated enough, but he has extraordinary qualities and he can only grow, especially physically. The team has worked so hard and it is normal that I have to reduce the workload. I am convinced that his condition will gradually grow. I’m sorry he has not been called by Belgium, I do not know the reasons but I believe and I hope he has a great match and is a protagonist.
Was Spalletti making a tactical decision by calling you the favorites?
It is normal that everyone tries to give themselves an edge. I do not know what he meant, I only try to think about my team and not the others. I prepare for this match knowing that they are in great shape, but this won’t be the same match like the one against Fiorentina.
How is Florenzi? Will he be called for the match? Were you surprised by the performance of Juan Jesus?
Florenzi will certainly be called, if I wanted to put him on the pitch, I could but he has been training with us only a short time, he does not have 90 minutes in his legs but never say never. Spalletti’s hope of seeing him on the pitch is also ours and mine. On Juan Jesus, I am not surprised, since I came, he has showed great willingness, and wanting to improve and show that he is an important player, I am satisfied but we cannot be content with ourselves, everyone, including him, must improve.
