Struck but not sunk. Roma return from the frost in Kharkiv with a defeat that complicates the passage of the round but does not exclude it, on the contrary: on 13 March in Rome a 1-0 (or, alternatively, any victory with two goals difference) will be enough to overturn the 2-1 yesterday.
There is therefore no need to wrap your head too much, all the more remembering that Shakhtar in the away version tends to turn into a negative (Naples, eliminated in the group, beat them with a clear 3-0 at San Paolo), to ask yourself a few questions but yes.
For example, which Roma will we see at the Olimpico? That of yesterday's first half, capable of closing with an even narrow advantage in relation to the chances created or that of the second, recovered by the Ukrainians and saved from collapse only by a great Alisson? Di Francesco, and with him all the Giallorossi people, hope that the "right" answer will be the first, otherwise passing the round will be practically impossible.
A two-faced Rome was seen at the Metalist Stadium and the reasons are not entirely clear even to its coach, grappling with yet another demonstration of strength and fragility at the same time.
“I felt like I saw two different teams on the pitch – he confirmed in the press conference. – Surely we are a little down from a physical point of view but after the first goal conceded I would have liked to change almost everyone. In the first half we played to attack, in the second to manage something I haven't understood yet. That's why I'm angry, certain mistakes I've seen are not admissible ”.
Therefore the empty part of the glass prevails, at least in words. Because Di Francesco knows well how the result can be widely reversed, especially if the values of the first 50 minutes, with Roma capable of hurting their opponents on more than one occasion, are confirmed. Under's goal (41') had come too late, after Dzeko had missed not one but two chances to beat Pyatov.
It seemed there for a Giallorossi triumph, but in the second half Rakitskiy, central defender, launched straight at Ferreyra, dry dribbling on Manolas and 1-1 Shakhtar (52'). From there a completely different game was born with the Ukrainians on the shields together with Alisson: the goalkeeper miraculously saved on Marlos (55') and Taison (63'), before surrendering to Fred's free-kick (70').
Rome on the ropes but held up by its Brazilians: where Alisson didn't arrive, in fact, Bruno Peres took care of it, sending the ball over the crossbar, kicked by Taison with a sure blow (who in the meantime should have been sent off for an elbow on Perotti).
It would have been a hard blow to absorb, perhaps decisive in terms of qualification. So instead the games remain open and on March 13 there is an excellent chance of overturning the result. Provided, of course, that the "right" Roma go on the field, not the reckless one of the second half.
