Less than a month to really grow up. From now until the next stop, we'll understand more about Roma's real ambitions, up until now too fluctuating and discontinuous both in terms of results and play. The first exam arrives today (18 pm) against Giampaolo's Empoli: an affordable match on paper and for this very reason not to be underestimated, also in the light of Leverkusen's imminent (and decisive) European commitment.
“Woe to take Empoli lightly – warned Garcia. – They stopped Napoli and beat Sassuolo, we'll have to be at 200% and have no other thoughts on our mind." Easy said, a little less done. On the other hand, Roma have no choice: if they want to avoid yet another storm, they must continue the streak of victories that began with Carpi and continued in Palermo.
The square is asking for it but above all the president Pallotta, whose declarations leave no doubt: the Giallorossi must aim for the Scudetto. “When I play a game I always try to win – commented Garcia. – We will try in every way despite knowing that we still have to improve. I know this environment, there is always someone dissatisfied but I don't care: he will continue to give his best for the team ”.
Compared to Barbera's victory, there will be one more Dzeko available, although his physical conditions and calendar advise against his use from the first minute. Barring sensational surprises, the Bosnian will start from the bench, ready to warm up the engines in view of the German away match on Tuesday. Garcia should confirm Palermo's 4-2-3-1, with Szczesny in goal, Maicon, Manolas, Castan and Digne in defence, De Rossi and Nainggolan in midfield, Florenzi, Pjanic and Salah in the trocar, Gervinho in attack.
Technique, speed and zero points of reference for the opponents, here it is the Frenchman's plan to win again and assault the podium in the standings. Empoli are clearly underdogs but the recent success against Sassuolo demonstrates how capable they are of hurting. Giampaolo will again have to do without Saponara, a very heavy absence that he will try to make up for with Krunic, playmaker behind the Pucciarelli-Maccarone couple. “For me the favorite remains Juve – Garcia thought. – We will try to subvert the predictions, this year the championship is more open”. Proclamation subdued compared to last year and, perhaps for this reason, more credible. Provided you grow up permanently.
