Three consecutive victories, second place in the league, and most prolific attack in Italy: Roma heads to Sassuolo in great form. The victory against Palermo has already been archived and Spalletti’s team now has to worry about Sassuolo, who will be eager to get a good result after trying with Bologna.
‘Sassuolo is the type of team to be afraid of. They play well, aim for the best results possible, and have a strong attack. They’ll be missing some players but Di Francesco has a deep enough team to keep us alert. Last year this match was a turning point for us.’
Sassuolo has always kept an eye on the youngsters produced in the Roma academy: ‘They’ve asked about our youngsters this summer too. When offers come in for players who aren’t getting much playing time, there isn’t much you can do to stop them. Iago Falque always proved to be loyal and determined, unfortunately there wasn’t much space for him here. The fact that he was sought after forced us to sell him. Ljajic is another example; I didn’t even speak with him. Selling someone like Ricci can be one of those decisions you end up regretting, but it’s better to let him play and make arrangements next year’.
On the conditions of certain players: ‘Mario Rui and Vermaelen aren’t ready, but we are hopeful for Peres and Perotti. Rudiger will be called up for the game. Juan Jesus has calf issues but if needed, he can play. Strootman will start, he has recovered. Contract extension? The fate of my future is in my players hands. The environment is perfect; the difficulties come from the need for trophies’.
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