As Roma head into their second Europa League fixture of the season – looking to bounce back from their first loss against Ludogorets – Jose Mourinho will be able to rely on Nicolo Zaniolo from the start. The young attacker has recovered from a shoulder injury he suffered a few weeks ago.
Mourinho discussed Zaniolo’s importance to the team in an interview with Sky Sport.
“It’s always more difficult when you’re facing a team with several options,” said the Special One. “With Zaniolo we can go at the opponent 1 on 1, we can play in progression without the ball; then we have the creativity of Pellegrini and Dybala.”
“This allows us to diversify the game and is more complicated for opponents to identify and react.”
“As a result, our offensive phase changes, but also the defensive phase of the opponent.”
Mourinho also emphasised the competitive spirit inside the locker room: “Players must get used to these situations. There cannot be too much of a comfort zone if we want to improve as a team.”