Roma manager Paulo Fonseca spoke today before his side’s Europa League match tomorrow evening against CSKA Sofia.
It will be a match with zero implications as the Giallorossi have already clinched the first position in their group while the Bulgarian’s have already been eliminated.
The Portuguese tactician did announce, though, that Tommaso Milanese, one of Roma’s most highly rated youth prospects, will make his first start for the club tomorrow.
“Milanese will start tomorrow and it’s also a chance for us to get some of our guys back into better condition such as Smalling and Diawara,” said Fonseca.
“Pedro will also take part tomorrow since he won’t be available for our league match. I have to say, he’s such a great example for our young players. He shows incredible enthusiasm during training, which is rare to see from someone who’s his age and from someone who has won as much as he has.”
Fonseca was then asked about the situation of Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is recovering from an ankle injury following a scary challenge from Sassuolo’s Pedro Obiang.
The Roma boss also addressed the controversy surrounding Pellegrini after he lashed out on social media after he and his wife received multiple insults.
“I have to say something: Pellegrini played a great match against Sassuolo. He has to stay focused and continue playing well — but I want to add that I don’t understand the criticism levied against him.”
He continued, “He’s a Roman, a Roma supporter, and one of our captains.”
