A strong first half, a challenging second, but most importantly 3 important points for Claudio Ranieri's first match back at Roma's manager as the giallorossi defeated Empoli 2-1.
"The fact that it was a difficult match without many men made me stay concentrated and positive. Forming a squad without all the pieces from the first minute wasn't easy. I want to compliment the team because they stayed compact even in 10. I was sure the goal was going to be disallowed because you could see it was a hand-ball. A huge thanks to the fans that stayed close to us."
On goals allowed: "We'll help one another because with organization we'll be concentrated and not allow goals. It's my motto, it's not possible that a squad allows all these goals. I'll do my best to help them. The injury to Zaniolo? He told me his calf only hardened. I chose him to not risk Perotti, because he's returning from a long injury. Nicolò told me that he was feeling well and then got hurt in the game, but it shouldn't be anything serious."
"I arrived three days ago. I've done just one training session with them and the Primavera players. Let me play with all our pieces for 90' and then I'll see what I can do. Florenzi? He's a player with character. He played with a problem to his knee, but wanted to be out there. I would like to understand the first card to El Shaarawy and then his expulsion. The red card seemed too severe. Schick? He has everything: speed, technique, dribbling and goals."
