Marchizza on Inter semi-final: Our group has that extra something

Riccardo Marchizza is certainly one of the key men in the Roma Primavera squad currently competing in the Final Eight stage of the league season.

Following their win over Virtus Entella in the quarter-finals, Roma will now take on Inter in the semis and Marchizza believes the Giallorossi’s strong group mentality will stand them in good stead for the match on 31 May.

“We’re feeling calm about the final stages,” revealed the Roma centre-back. “They’re all-or-nothing matches but they’re still football matches. We’re prepared, we’re not afraid of anyone and we feel calm.

“Roma v Inter has always been one of my favourite games – when I was younger they were always the team to beat,” continued Marchizza. “I believe we are the better side, we have that extra something. We’re more of a team and we have more hunger than they do. We can’t underestimate them, however, as they have some really good players, especially up front, so we need to be wary.”

How important is experience in these matches?

“Last year we got to this point after just the one year in the Youth League, which I think is a vital experience and provides you with a really broad technical and tactical education. This year we’re even more prepared because we’ve had another fantastic campaign in Europe. We really enjoyed it and we’re even more experienced now.”

Looking back at championship finals you’ve played in at other levels, is there anything you’d do differently?

“No, I would do everything the same way. It didn’t go well with the Giovanissimi or last year against Lazio with the Primavera, but they were fantastic experiences. The Giovanissimi year really brought those of us born in 1998 together – it gave us desire and hunger to win the Scudetto last year with the Allievi. It helped to mould a group of friends that’s enjoyed success over the years despite nobody expecting it. We often hang out together, both as part of training camps and in our free time. That helps to strengthen the group and benefits you on the pitch too.”

You won the Scudetto at Allievi level. What does it take to win the title?

“It’s not necessarily the most technically gifted team that wins the Scudetto, but the most united team. The best team doesn’t always win in a one-off game.

If you could replay one match from the season just gone, which would it be?

“The Coppa Italia match against Inter, because we didn’t have a full squad and didn’t deserve to lose anyway. The Youth League match against PSG too – I still have a bitter taste in my mouth from that one. We gave it away in the first half and had we played like we did in the second half for the whole game it would have been different.”

What’s been the highlight of the season?

“We’ve shown real consistency all year and there’s only been one period where we’ve dipped as a result of playing so many matches. We were mentally drained against Pescara and Crotone. That said, overall we managed to be consistent and were able to win matches even when they’ve been in the balance.”

How do you deal with playing so many matches, even at Primavera level?

“Thanks to competitions like the Youth League, we too are playing every three days now. It means the Primavera is perfect stepping stone for moving up to the professional game. It’s tough at first, because you’re not used to the workload. In Europe, some of the teams are used to playing in the big games and some even play in the second division, but we’ve been able to show our ability this season. Now we need to win the Scudetto. I’m confident and I can see in my team-mates’ eyes that this could be our time. That said, we still have to prove that on the pitch.”