Florenzi: We weren’t clinical enough

Though expressing his disappointment at the missed chances, the Giallorossi No.24 argued that the team played well for the majority of the match and must use that as a foundation to kick on in their upcoming games.

“We weren’t clinical enough tonight,” Florenzi said after the final whistle. “It’s a shame because we had lots of chances that we didn’t take. There were a number of spells when we imposed our football against Real – that’s what we need to build on to make sure we do better in our coming matches.”

How disappointed are you after the side created at least five clear-cut opportunities?

“Yeah, we could have changed the whole look of the tie in the first half. Unfortunately being clinical is key in football and, as I’ve said, that was something we were lacking tonight, just as we were in the first leg. We created lots of chances tonight, some of them one-on-ones, but we couldn’t get the goal. In this game it doesn’t matter if you play well or badly – at the end of the day the only thing that counts is scoring goals.”

Did you lack a bit of experience tonight?

“Yes, though it doesn’t necessarily come down to experience in front of goal. It’s a shame because had we been a bit more clinical tonight could have been a bit of a fairy tale. We’ve produced two excellent performances over the two legs, imposing our game in a way we haven’t in a while, and on a tough ground where many other sides have struggled. We put them under pressure on several occasions tonight. What can you say? Let’s take the positives and switch our focus to the league and to doing better.”

Can you aim higher than second place in Serie A as you look to qualify for the biggest stage again?

“Our objective is to be able to play these Champions League matches and to do that you need to show heart and soul on the pitch every time you play, as well as implementing the tactical work we look at in training. If we do that we’ll be back playing matches like this as soon as possible and we’ll be better prepared for them – and perhaps we’ll be more cynical and have a little bit more luck next time too.”

Will you be back in the Champions League next year?

“Absolutely, yes.”