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The Roma Question: Did Roma’s performance against Barcelona surprise you?
Bren / @BrenCdT: “I was surprised at how aggressive they were in defence. I was expecting them to sort of just absorb the pressure, but they came right at them - it was a nice surprise! It was just unfortunate that same aggressiveness didn't carry over to the attack, but the chances were just so few and far between because Barcelona was so great in possession.”
Joseph / @ASRomaNow: “Roma’s performances actually didn’t take me by surprise. I knew that they had it in them, and this Champions League I noticed a different mentality when they played. It wasn’t this roll over and scratch our belly type attitude, where as in the past you genuinely never knew what you would’ve gotten from Roma. Di Francesco has a huge part in that in my opinion.”
Matt / @Matt_Santangelo: “It didn’t really surprise me. Throughout this tournament, they have been somewhat overlooked and looked down on, especially once they were drawn with Chelsea and Atleti. Since winning the group, they have been playing with a chip on their shoulder in the UCL and are really trying to show everyone that they aren’t to be taken lightly and aren’t going to lay down. That, to me, is the biggest difference between this Roma under Di Francesco and former coaches like Garcia and Spalletti.”
The Serie A Question: In your opinion, who has been the league’s second most impressive goalkeeper this season?
@BrenCdT: “Are there other keepers in the league besides Alisson? Certainly Buffon and Szczesny have done a nice job for Juventus and ditto for Reina at Napoli, but Alisson has just been a cut above the rest; he's lapping the field at this point.”
@ASRomaNow: “That’s actually a tough one to me. Most people would say Handanovic, but I feel like you expect something great from him cause of his calibre. I’m going to have to go with Perin. Bounced back from a severe injury and he’s quickly become the leader Genoa needs. Also, little bit of a wild card but I’d actually consider Emiliano Viviano as well.”
@Matt_Santangelo: “There are a bunch of superb shotstoppers in Italy, so it’s very difficult to position who is where amongst the top. Alisson has been a star ever since he took the job as the first choice, but Samir Handanovic is one who continually seems to get passed by, at least around Europe despite being so key for Inter. I’d say Handanovic right in behind Alisson, especially when you consider how important he is to Inter’s hopes for top four.”
The General Football Question: After the first leg, predict the two teams who will compete in the Champions League final?
@BrenCdT: “You know, as great as they looked at times against Roma, Barcelona doesn't seem invincible, so I'll say Liverpool and Real Madrid.”
@ASRomaNow: “Before I thought it was going to be Manchester City versus Bayern Munich. Now I kind of think it’s going to be a Clasico. Both Madrid and Barcelona showed they have the mentality for it. Well, more Madrid, as Barcelona might need more help from the referee.”
@Matt_Santangelo: “After the first leg of the quarter-finals, the two teams I’d say that will meet in the final are Bayern Munich and one of Barcelona or Real Madrid. I just believe these three are the strongest and have the pedigree in this tournament that the others fall short of having. But obviously things could change, and if City find a way to overcome the 3-0 deficit with Liverpool, obviously they could be thrown into the conversation.”
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