Rome tries the feat. Six days after the 4-1 win at the Camp Nou, the Giallorossi find Barcelona again and this time, of course, the stakes are even higher. The problem is that qualification seems to have already been decided and that on Sunday Di Francesco's team is awaiting a very heartfelt derby: not the best both physically and mentally. In any case, you have to try, partly to avoid a world fool, partly because achieving such a feat is the dream of any coach or player.
“We are down by three goals, it will be very difficult but we will have to try – said Di Francesco. – I don't know how many chances we'll have, we'll need to materialize and be as cynical as possible at the net. I don't even want to talk about the derby, at the moment the most important match is against Barcelona and we will play it with the best."
In short, no calculations, after all, the Giallorossi have always done well within the friendly walls of the Olimpico (in Europe) and at least want to annoy the Catalan champions. And then it must also be said that the defeat in the first leg was much heavier than it should have been, with Roma being punished beyond measure compared to the game offered and the chances created. The problem remains of having to score 3 goals against Barcelona without taking any, moreover after the bad defeat against Fiorentina which also complicated the standings.
“We were one team at home in the Champions League, another away but this also concerns them – continued Di Francesco. - And then we have the responsibility of the full stadium, I expect great participation from the people and I hope we will be good at dragging them along with us ".
Roma believe it in words, now we'll see what the field will say. The coach will field the best possible formation, therefore 4-3-3 with Alisson in goal, Florenzi, Manolas, Fazio and Kolarov in defense, Nainggolan, De Rossi and Strootman in midfield, Schick, Dzeko and El Shaarawy in attack, with the Turkish Under ready to take over from the bench.
“We will have to be very careful, I think they will play with an even greater intensity than usual – thought Valverde. – They have excellent players, woe to think that qualification has already been decided”.
The Spanish coach does not want to drop in tension, which is why he will send the best possible 4-4-2 onto the pitch with Ter Stegen in goal, Sergi Roberto, Piqué, Umtiti and Jordi Alba in the back, Dembelé, Rakitic, Busquets and Iniesta in median, Suarez and Messi in attack.
