In search of lost continuity. And also a place in the Champions League but this, as we know, would only be a logical consequence. Spalletti's Roma, having archived the victory over Frosinone, is looking for confirmations on the Sassuolo field, in anticipation that will open this 23rd midweek matchday of the championship (20.45 pm). An insidious obstacle for the Giallorossi, much more than the one overcome (moreover with a few too many worries) last Saturday against Stellone's ciociari; and then there is Di Francesco, a former much loved by the square and, not surprisingly, observed with special attention by society.
“Coaches like him have helped improve Serie A – complimented Spalletti. – Sassuolo offers beautiful and effective football, it is no coincidence that they have beaten much more popular teams. We will try to follow up on Saturday's victory, we know that we need a string of results to get back on track". The standings remain the most important thing, especially now that whoever is in front (Fiorentina and Inter) has slowed down, effectively reopening the race in third place. Points are needed, possibly playing well but this is not the priority of the Giallorossi coach.
“The fundamental thing is to work hard – he reiterated in yesterday's press conference. – I am convinced that if we do it we will be able to go far, the rest will be seen”. A good hand could come from the environment, still a bit skeptical despite the victory over Frosinone: to make peace with the square you need more and in this sense a victory at the Mapei Stadium would be quite useful. Just like the new signings, capable of bringing enthusiasm to a locker room on the verge of a depressive crisis. Above all El Shaarawy, author of a beautiful and decisive goal, but also Perotti, who arrived a few hours ago and was immediately called up by the coach.
“Stephan played well and immediately made himself useful – commented Spalletti. – Perotti knows how to play in several roles and this will help us a lot, people like him and Zukanovic are useful for us. I'm satisfied with the transfer market and the squad available." Looking ahead, the choices will be wide and of excellent workmanship, but at the moment the emergency reigns supreme. The absences of Florenzi, Torosidis and Digne were joined by those of Dzeko (injured) and Manolas (suspended). The 3-4-2-1 at the Mapei Stadium will thus see Szczesny in goal, Rudiger, De Rossi and Zukanovic in defense, Maicon, Pjanic, Vainqueur and El Shaarawy in midfield, Nainggolan and Salah in the trocar behind the very young Sadiq.
Di Francesco, forced to give up Floro Flores (sold to Chievo), will respond with the usual 4-3-3, which has always been the trademark of his Sassuolo. In defense, in front of Consigli's goal, space for Vrsaljko, Cannavaro, Acerbi and Peluso, in midfield a 3-man line with Pellegrini, Magnanelli and Duncan, in attack trident Berardi-Falcinelli-Sansone.
