Former Italy and Fiorentina manager Cesare Prandelli weighed in on the Giallorossi’s chances in the upcoming return leg with Bayer Leverkusen.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Prandelli said this of De Rossi’s team:
“Atalanta, Roma. Fiorentina: I still believe in the possibility of seeing all three of them in the European finals this year,” said the Italian technician.
“Even for Roma, nothing is impossible. Although they really need a miracle to overturn the result from the first leg,” he added. “Coming back from two goals to a team that has never lost this year will be very difficult. But it’s not impossible.”
“De Rossi? Daniele doesn’t need advice. Bayer Leverkusen are solid and confident, even more so after winning the Bundesliga. But in European Cups it doesn’t take much to overturn a result. Roma must try to surprise the Germans with something they don’t expect and aren’t used to.”
“Daniele is intelligent and courageous: he will find the way. A goal can reopen the discussion and shift the psychological aspect… Roma will need something historic and a pinch of luck for the Giallorossi to reach the Europa League final. I’m thinking of a wonder-goal from Lukaku or Pellegrini.”
“Daniele is a charismatic leader and in a short time he has become a point of reference for the team. He has always been a very intelligent and prepared lad. And I am convinced that he also learned a lot from his unfortunate experience at the helm of Spal.”