As they put the Europa League behind them, Roma gets a third consecutive win in Serie A. Now sitting in second place with Milan at 19 points, Spalletti spoke to Sky Sport after beating Palermo 4-1: ‘We weren’t as good in the first half as we were in the second, but we ended up taking the lead without taking any risks. You could tell we weren’t thinking straight at first, but we ended up showcasing more quality in the second half. El Shaarawy? Players who don’t always play, but keep their head up high and give it their all when asked to play are essential for any team. They make themselves fully available in training and in games. He’s quick, has great technique, all he has to do is take on a few more players and improve his physical presence in games’.
On the approach to the match: ‘All I care about is that the team scores 70 goals, not to have one player score 30. We focus on team spirit. When you’re able to control the game, keep the defensive line high, and maintain a compact shape, it gives you the chance to regain possession quickly, it’s very important. De Rossi and Paredes both played a good game sitting in front of the defence. Because we have quick players, playing on the counter is always better. But we are Roma; we should also be capable of controlling the game in crucial moments. This year we’re less compact and the team stretches out more often, perhaps because we play with a striker’.
A final comment on Pjanic: ‘For me Pjanic was useful in front of the defense because he knows how to play the ball. At the same time when you play him further up the pitch he often scores. It’s all about making decisions for the balance of the team’.
@valeriodg94
