Paulo Fonseca admits Edin Dzeko is ‘the best striker I have ever worked with’ after his brace of volleys allowed Roma to overturn Sampdoria 2-1.
The Bosnian hitman scored one with his left and the other with his right, finishing off fine balls over the top from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante.
“We cannot forget that was our first game in over three months,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Paulo Fonseca admits Edin Dzeko is ‘the best striker I have ever worked with’ after his brace of volleys allowed Roma to overturn Sampdoria 2-1.
The Bosnian hitman scored one with his left and the other with his right, finishing off fine balls over the top from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante.
“We cannot forget that was our first game in over three months,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We created two or three clear scoring opportunities and then conceded against the run of play. I also had to make certain decisions, as Pellegrini only had three or four days of training, so could not be risked from the start. He made a strong impact with the assist for Dzeko.
“I can say without doubt, Dzeko is the best striker I have ever worked with. Scoring these two goals this evening, with either foot, is something only the greats can do.”
Fonseca surprised by giving Roger Ibanez his Serie A debut from the start in defence.
“I make my evaluation based on what I see in training. Gianluca Mancini had some injury problems and only trained for three days with the group. Ibanez trained very well and I think he had a good game, deserving this moment.
“Nicolò Zaniolo has started training with the youth team and I think in one or two weeks, he should be able to train with us.”
Roma now have two potential routes to the Champions League, but is it easier to win the Europa League than catch Atalanta in this kind of form?
“At least we have two options! Atalanta are in great shape, it’s not easy, but we have to believe right through to the end.”