Claudio Ranieri admired Roma’s ability to fight back twice for a draw with Fiorentina. “I wanted us to show we could still fit into Europe somewhere.”
The Giallorossi are falling further behind the race for a Champions League spot, picking up one point in the last three rounds, achieving it with tonight’s 2-2 draw.
Claudio Ranieri admired Roma’s ability to fight back twice for a draw with Fiorentina. “I wanted us to show we could still fit into Europe somewhere.”
The Giallorossi are falling further behind the race for a Champions League spot, picking up one point in the last three rounds, achieving it with tonight’s 2-2 draw.
“At this moment, things just aren’t going our way,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia. “We were worried about not giving Fiorentina the space to run into. It’s a pity we conceded on a corner, because we had planned to mark their strong headers of the ball, but instead German Pezzella was on his own.
“It wasn’t just one player marking, as with zonal marking you can’t let them get a run-up, otherwise they will always score. We were meant to block the runs with two or three players.
“I was pleased with the reaction to twice going behind. I had asked the players to show we could still fit into Europe somewhere.”
Ranieri dropped Robin Olsen for Antonio Mirante, but also started Justin Kluivert in place of Patrik Schick.
“Kluivert is still green, but has pace and puts in great crosses. Zaniolo still needs to improve, but is devastating when he is moving with the ball.
“Schick is a great player, but he is too timid. He has to conquer this shyness and I expect a great deal from him.
“Diego Perotti has a problem with the bicep and we hope it’s nothing serious. It’s incredible, we get one player back from injury and immediately lose two.”