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The Giallorossi failed to find the breakthrough at the Mapei Stadium, leaving their Champions League aspirations in serious doubt.
“We tried to score right until the final minute," Ranieri said.
"We should have been more clinical and responsive, and we could have had a bit more luck too. When you create four or five chances, it’s a shame. Nevertheless, I have nothing to bad to say about the lads, they fought with everything they had and played well, especially in the second half.”
Do these 90 minutes show how important the mental side of things is? When Roma have the right attitude they have the potential to create chances. Are you disappointed about this?
“Our disappointed is linked with not getting the three points. Roma are an excellent side; some years things don’t go well and you miss clear chances. It’s a shame.”
In the final 30 minutes you created a lot, but were you maybe too passive in the first 60 minutes?
“I agree, I’d also like to press higher up the pitch, and the team can do this. We just wait for the right moment to use all our energy. It wasn’t an easy game, pressing them is difficult because they play one- and two-touch football. We would have liked to push from the start, but you have to split the 90 minutes into chunks.”
Did you think about putting Daniele De Rossi on?
“I didn’t think about it because I want him ready for Sunday. It has to be his party. I invite the fans to celebrate Daniele, because a captain like him deserves this. Now we’ll roll up our sleeves and get back to work.”
When did you decide to change to a 4-2-3-1?
“In the second half we had more technical ability, and it was a last-chance-saloon situation. It’s a shame because the changes in the second half against Juventus yielded fruit.”
Is there anything you’d like to say to the fans? From where do you start again?
“Today I prepared the game as usual. I’ve tried to encourage them and give them some self-confidence back. In this job I’ve succeeded. Roma start again with excellent players.”
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