Former Roma player Marco Delvecchio, one of the protagonists of Roma’s 2001 Scudetto with Fabio Capello, discussed the growth of the Giallorossi with Jose Mourinho at the helm and Paulo Dybala’s recent arrival.
“I think they’ll be aiming for a top four position this year,” Delvecchio told Il Messaggero.
On comparisons between Dybala and Batistuta, the former attacker said, “Perhaps there is a similarity in the type of signing both players represent, but with regards to their characteristics, I would say that we are talking about two different players.”
“Paulo is similar to Montella. Gabriel was not the only decisive signing that season, one man was not enough to make the leap for the Scudetto.”
“Let’s not forget that Emerson and Samuel arrived with him, as well as Lupatelli, Zebina, Guigou and others.”
Delvecchio spoke very highly of Tammy Abraham: “He is very good and can still grow a lot, has incredible margins for improvement.”
“I didn’t think he could score so many goals in his first year, it was a nice surprise. It is not easy for a player who comes from another reality, even on a tactical level, to adapt quickly. But, he has been very good. Roma are in good hands offensively speaking.”
“I also hope Mourinho can follow in Capello’s footsteps given that Capello won the Scudetto in his second year and Mourinho is entering his second season with the Giallorossi.”
“Such charismatic and winning coaches always have something in common. But they must be given time, we didn’t win immediately with Capello, the first year didn’t go very well, whereas Mourinho’s Roma won a European trophy. Capello was a guarantee, just like Mourinho.”
On Zaniolo, Delvecchi commented, “Why would he leave now when the fun is just getting started? You don’t leave Roma light-heartedly.”
With regards to Roma’s transfer window, Delvecchio concluded, “With Matic they’ve provided additional cover for the midfield.”
“They signed Celik, a strong replacement for Karsdorp and we’ll see what type of player he is. Perhaps, if Mourinho wants to continue with the three-man defense, another central defender will be needed.”
“And the transfer market is not even finished, who knows what will happen.”
“It is important for Roma to return to the Champions League. The club is doing well, it has left the stock exchange, is thinking concretely about building the stadium, it has brought people back to the stadium. Winning in the Conference must only be the beginning of a special journey.”
