"Beautiful and successful". Luciano Spalletti did not use half measures to present his Roma, who will return to the Olimpico lawn this afternoon (15pm) to face Delneri's Verona. Relatively simple game, at least on paper: the yellow and blues, still without victories and sadly last in the standings with only 8 points, are certainly not the worst opponent that could happen. But Rome has struggled with practically everyone in recent times, which is why the American ownership opted for Garcia's exemption and called Spalletti.
“I'm sure of my team's qualities, I want to play good football again and play it against everyone – explained the coach at the press conference. – We can do it quickly but I don't want to set goals in the standings: first we have to get back to playing well and win, then we'll see”. A few turns of words and many facts, here is Spalletti's recipe to restore enthusiasm in a depressed and angry environment. The mission is rather ambitious and the margins of error are very few: if Roma really want to get back into the league championship, they can no longer make any missteps. The coach won't upset Garcia's work, at least in the immediate future, so we will have to wait a little longer to review the 4-2-3-1 formation of his first yellow and red experience. Against Verona it will be 4-3-3 again, albeit with some changes. In defense, in front of Szczesny's goal, the central couple Castan-Manolas will be seen again, with Torosidis and Digne on the wings, in midfield space for the Pjanic-De Rossi-Nainggolan trio, in attack Florenzi (whom Garcia used above all as a full-back), Dzeko and Salah. Delneri will have to attempt the desperate undertaking without Toni, who is blocked by a muscle strain in his right leg: the lighthouse of the attack will be Pazzini, with Ionita playmaker to support him.
Delicate match also for Pioli's Lazio, expected from the very insidious away match in Bologna (15 pm). The Biancocelesti are returning from the victory in Florence and want to make a change in their championship, so far rather lacking in satisfaction. “This match is fundamental – explained Pioli in the conference. – We can improve our standings, we know very well that we will have to do a much better second round than the first leg. We lacked continuity and consistency, but now I see a different determination and I'm confident for this." To conquer Dall'Ara, the coach will rely on a chameleon-like 4-1-4-1, with Berisha in goal, Konko, Hoedt, Mauricio and Radu in defence, Biglia in the control room, Candreva, Parolo, Milinkovic-Savic and Keita in midfield, Djordjevic in attack. Donadoni, author of a splendid championship so far, will respond with the usual 4-3-3: Mirante in goal, Rossettini, Oikonomou, Gastaldello and Masina in defense, Taider, Diawara and Brighi in midfield, Mounier, Destro and Giaccarini in attack.
