Dzeko: We were never in the game

The Giallorossi fell to a 2-0 defeat against Sevilla in Duisburg, crashing out of the competition at the last-16 stage.

“We were never in the game, from the first minute to the last," Dzeko said afterwards.

"They beat us in every aspect: speed, technique, preparation… everything. We were never in the game.”

Why did you struggle so much in attack?

“I don’t know – they pressed us, we wanted to build out from the back like always but it wasn’t possible. They made two passes and then went long and were very dangerous like that.

"We never really got to grips with the fact it was difficult to play out from the back, instead of playing it long towards me, and so we never got near the goal."

What is lacking to reach the level required in Europe?

“If you just watch today’s game, clearly a lot. We all need to ask a few questions of ourselves. I am disappointed because we did not play well – we were never in the game and that is the most disappointing thing for me.”