Alberto De Rossi: We need to be bolder

The Primavera squad looked to have blown their chance of qualifying for the knock-out stages of the UEFA Youth League when they found themselves 3-0 down in the first half away in Catalonia.

Nevertheless, Roma U19 managed to mount a fantastic comeback with a goal on the stroke of half-time and two after the break to take home a share of the spoils.

"We are very pleased with the reaction they showed and a thoroughly deserved result," the Giallorossi coach declared after the match. "We're a bit baffled by the two contrasting performances we saw today. It seemed that we had two different teams out in each half. We'll have to reflect on this – we need to be able to take the initiative."

What didn't work in the first half?

"We were second to every ball and you cannot allow yourselves to do that against this team. I heard someone speak about being mentally inferior in the changing room, but frankly I don't understand that. We had already played against this side and we even deserved to win that game. We should have been much more competitive in the first half."

What changed after the break?

"The sporting director Walter Sabatini spoke during the interval and he fired the boys up by asking them to be themselves and nothing more. I'll say it again: we are not inferior to Barcelona. I don't mind losing against such a good team, but leaving empty-handed without even having tried would have been very frustrating for the coaching staff and the club. We made a few tactical adjustments, but ultimately the boys did the job on the pitch, showing guts, determination and a will to win. When this team brings these crucial qualities to the fore, we are second to no one."

BATE Borisov and Bayer Leverkusen could only manage a draw in the other match in the group, leaving Roma in charge of their own destiny. A win in the final match against the Belarusian outfit will take the Giallorossi through in second place.

"We still have a chance of qualifying and we will do everything to get over the line. We've seen the standard of teams in this competition and we don't deserve to go out," stated De Rossi.