Password: react! After the bad setback in the Italian Cup, Roma must return to victory immediately. The postponement with Sampdoria, however, is not the easiest, but perhaps it's for the best. “We will show anger and frustration for the elimination against Napoli – growled Rudi Garcia. We'll see pissed wolves, for sure."
The French coach didn't go too far, and in a certain sense it's understandable. Roma are having a very good season, but run the serious risk of not winning anything. The Coppa Italia has vanished, now it remains a difficult but not impossible Scudetto dream to achieve. Provided, however, that tonight, in a closed-curve Olympic stadium (the club's appeal was also rejected for the match against Inter), the three points arrive.
“I have a lot of respect for Sampdoria, but we mustn't look at our opponents – explained the French coach. – It doesn't matter who we face, even if we were facing Bayern Munich we would still be looking for the three points. In training I saw a team with the right attitude, we're really sorry about the elimination from the cup."
The conditions for doing well appear to be there, but a trend reversal will be needed. In fact, in the last few games Roma have found it very difficult to score and this explains many things. “Stats say we made 26 shots in two games – replied Garcia. – We need to improve in the implementation phase, but without having a narrow view of the situation. Data in hand, in fact, we haven't done so badly in the last few races…".
But in the end, results count and the French coach is well aware of this. Tonight he will look for the three points with the usual 4-3-3. In front of De Sanctis there will be Maicon, Castan, Benatia and Torosidis, in midfield Nainggolan will take Pjanic's place to compose the department together with De Rossi and Strootman.
In attack, given Totti's unavailability (for him 10 days off), Destro will complete the trident with Florenzi and Gervinho. In front there will be a Sampdoria regenerated by the Mihajlovic cure, ready to play its cards even in the capital. The Serbian will field the team with the usual 4-2-3-1, in which Eder and Gabbiadini will have license to hurt.
