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Fonseca speaks ahead of Parma: “Villar and Borja Mayoral will start.”

John Solano
I

Roma manager Paulo Fonseca spoke today at his pre-match press conference as his side prepares to face Parma tomorrow afternoon in the Italian capital.

The Giallorossi will be short handed for the match due to several key players, including Edin Dzeko and Marash Kumbulla, having tested positive for COVID.

There is good news for Roma, though, as Fonseca revealed that midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who also recently tested positive for COVID, will be called-up for the match as the player has fully recovered from the virus.

“Pellegrini’s not in the best condition,” admitted the Portuguese tactician. “He only trained today but he will be called up. However, Smalling is not ready for this match and he will not play.”

“Time is very important in football, we have all worked together to build an identity, which is becoming clearer. The team has an identity that has been built over time. A managers always needs time to do this. Today, the team knows my ideas better and the results have brought confidence to all of us.”

Fonseca was then asked about the appointment of Tiago Pinto, who was unveiled by the club on Wednesday as their new General Director.

“I wasn’t consulted on his hiring, it was the president’s decision, but did a great job in Portugal. He proved that he’s incredibly competent.”

”For me, it is important to work as a team, it is key that we all work together. I think it is very important that we can all choose what is best for Roma.”

“The team tomorrow? Mkhitaryan plays well as a striker, but Borja Mayoral will play tomorrow as will Villar. With the absences in defence, we’ll see tomorrow who ends up playing.”

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MatchDay 30
1 Apr 17:00
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