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Read what the boss had to say during his press conference ahead of the game on Sunday evening (20:45 CET kick-off).
The players all worked really hard against Braga. Do you expect the same work ethic in Serie A?
“I was very happy with the attitude and team spirit they showed against Braga. Some of them played out of position and sacrificed themselves for the team. That's the mentality we want at Roma and it's important we keep it up.”
Will Bryan Cristante be in the squad? If not, could Leonardo Spinazzola start alongside Gianluca Mancini at centre-back again?
“Bryan isn't ready yet so he won't be involved. We do have another day but he won't be available. Spinazzola at centre-back is one possibility.”
Who will start up front, Edin Dzeko or Borja Mayoral?
“You'll have to wait and see tomorrow.”
Nicolo Zaniolo has said he'll be playing again in April. Is that realistic?
“Sure it is. It's good to see him so determined to get fit again quickly but we're working to make sure he comes back properly fit and at the right time. It doesn't matter what month or day it is. As I said, Zaniolo's determination is a key factor in the process.”
Spinazzola is having the best season of his career. What's changed since his first year at Roma? Is it the formation or is it a mental improvement?
“The formation is important. Playing the way we do now suits him better and that's the main reason he's doing so well. He's also playing more regularly and that's always good for your confidence. He's having a great season.”
Did Braga's pitch contribute to Cristante's injury? When will he be fit again?
“It was a very heavy pitch and made it difficult for us physically. It had rained a lot in Portugal. But I don't think that was the main reason for his injury. We hope to have him fit again for the return leg against Braga.”
Roma are developing into a good team with lots of interesting young players. When will we know if you'll be coaching them next season?
“That's not important at the moment. The only thing that matters to me is the present. In any case, yes, we're building a good team for the coming years here. Having young players who can only get better is important for Roma.”
Is Amadou Diawara up to playing two games in four days? How are Chris Smalling and Marash Kumbulla doing?
“Yes, Diawara can play two games in a row, but I don't know if he'll play tomorrow. Kumbulla and Smalling are better. I think Kumbulla will be ready before Smalling. We'll see next week.”
Pau Lopez has played every game in 2021 even though Antonio Mirante is back now. What made you decide to change the pecking order?
“There's no pecking order here. Marco Savorani [the goalkeeping coach] and I are constantly assessing things and we go with whoever's in the best form. I think Pau is playing well and consistency is important, but Antonio is ready to play.”
How is Bryan Reynolds settling in?
“We mustn't forget that he didn't play for two months. He needs to work individually to get his fitness back up. He's in the United States at the moment sorting out some bureaucratic problems but we're working with him so that he can start training with the team as soon as possible.”
Are you considering the possibility of reverting to a back four?
“I've been considering lots of things, but as I said you'll have to wait and see tomorrow.”
What worries you most about Benevento?
“They're a very good team who try to build moves intelligently by passing the ball around. They're very dangerous with their runs in behind. We must be fully focused and stay switched on at the back.”
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