Eusebio Di Francesco explained his change of tactics after Roma ended their winless streak at Verona, but also defended the 4-3-3.
Cengiz Under got the only goal of the game after 43 seconds at the Stadio Bentegodi, playing in a new 4-2-3-1 formation.
“We went down to 10 men and still didn’t allow a shot on goal. We allowed much less than in other games, but this team has always shown great balance and needs to make more of its chances,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
Eusebio Di Francesco explained his change of tactics after Roma ended their winless streak at Verona, but also defended the 4-3-3.
Cengiz Under got the only goal of the game after 43 seconds at the Stadio Bentegodi, playing in a new 4-2-3-1 formation.
“We went down to 10 men and still didn’t allow a shot on goal. We allowed much less than in other games, but this team has always shown great balance and needs to make more of its chances,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
“When something isn’t working, moving a player 10 metres further forward doesn’t make a massive amount. On the other hand, we are working on ensuring we don’t concede as many counter-attacks.
“I am not a Coach who likes to improvise, so we’ve been working all week on this system and got a good response. At the same time, let’s not forget the 4-3-3 helped us top our Champions League group and fight for a top four finish, so I don’t want the usual routine of people saying it was all about the tactics.
“Verona don’t pass their way out of defence, they use long balls more than anyone else in Serie A. Therefore we had to change slightly to adapt to this characteristic. Other teams who like to pass the ball face us aware that we like to push forward, for example Napoli, and that requires a different approach.
“The most important aspect is that my players tried to always push the ball through the middle. With 4-3-3, I ask them to have two moves down the centre, one wide. We need to spread the opposition more and stretch out their defence.”