Enterprise yes, miracle no. Roma are presented to the match against Real Madrid as underdogs but not without the chance of going through. At least this is what Luciano Spalletti has repeated several times, the true architect of the Giallorossi rebirth after the black autumn of the Garcia management.
“We like to make surprises, we play to give strong impulses – he explained yesterday at the press conference. – We're on the right track and I wouldn't be surprised to fight until the last minute of the second leg to play for qualification, and even if we were the ones to pass”.
Real trust or facade? The doubt is at least legitimate, especially if we consider the precedents of Rome. Last November 23, for example, the day before the Barcelona match, Garcia made more or less similar proclamations and then things didn't go exactly well.
But the 6-1 at the Camp Nou is part of another era, at least looking at the latest results from the Giallorossi. The 4 consecutive victories collected in the championship have put the standings and morale back in order, as well as an environmental situation that has returned to normal after months of "red alert".
In fact, this evening the Olimpico will once again experience an evening of passion, as demonstrated by the over 50 tickets sold in presale. Sure, some will come to see CR7 and his associates but the majority will be there because they believe in the company and Spalletti should be thanked above all for this.
“The credit goes to the team because certain results only come in the presence of serious work – glossed over the coach. – I am very confident, I have seen the boys train well and grow day after day. We are ready to play this match to the best of our strength”.
No awe of Real Madrid, perhaps also by virtue of a precedent that still makes the yellow and red people smile. On 5 March 2008, in the second leg of the round of 1, Roma conquered the Bernabeu with a sensational 2-XNUMX and qualified for the quarterfinals.
Since then practically everything has changed (Taddei and Vucinic scored) including the role of Totti, at the time a permanent starter and now a regular substitute, except for one thing: the presence of Spalletti.
“But I too suffered important defeats (he was there in the 7-1 win in Manchester 2007, ed) but we won't think about these things – explained the coach. – We have to put all our qualities into play and I am convinced that we will do well”.
In front, however, there will be a Real Madrid in great shape, as evidenced by the 5 wins and 1 draw collected by Zidane during his management. Zizou had the great merit of restoring serenity in a dressing room torn apart by Benitez, a particular detail given that, with the right climate, the stars are once again the stars.
“The Champions League is always special for us, we have the right pressure to play at our best – confirmed the coach. – We are prepared to face Roma, physically we are fine and we will give everything to go through”.
Important proclamations despite some too many absences: Bale and Pepe, in fact, have remained in Madrid and even Marcelo, despite the call-up, is certainly not at his best. But Zidane will still be able to field a respectable squadron: his 4-3-3 will see Keylor Navas in goal, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos and Marcelo (still favorite over Danilo) in defense, Isco, Modric and Kroos in midfield, James Rodriguez , Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.
Spalletti, who recovered De Rossi and Totti in extremis, seems determined to respond with the 4-2-3-1 formation that made him famous during his first yellow and red reign. In defense, in front of Szczesny's goal, Florenzi, Manolas, Rudiger and Digne will act, Pjanic and De Rossi in midfield, Salah, Nainggolan and Perotti in the frontline, Dzeko in attack, even if the hypothesis El Shaarawy as a "false nueve" remains alive ”.
