Former Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong is confident Ajax can eliminate Roma in the Europa League quarter-final. ‘They’ll win 3-1 tomorrow.’
The first leg ended 2-1 for the Giallorossi in Amsterdam and the decider is at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“Ajax did not play a bad game on Thursday, but the away goals will make it a difficult situation,” De Jong told the official Ajax website.
Former Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong is confident Ajax can eliminate Roma in the Europa League quarter-final. ‘They’ll win 3-1 tomorrow.’
The first leg ended 2-1 for the Giallorossi in Amsterdam and the decider is at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“Ajax did not play a bad game on Thursday, but the away goals will make it a difficult situation,” De Jong told the official Ajax website.
“But I think there is still a chance for Ajax. Roma will certainly sit back for the first 30 minutes. An early goal is welcome. Ajax score everywhere and always. They’ll win 3-1 tomorrow.”
Compared to the first leg, Marten Stekelenburg and Perr Schuurs are back, but Daley Blind, Andre Onana and Sebastien Haller are still unavailable.
“It is good that Davy Klaassen has come back. He is a very important factor for this team with his experience. The young boys are also doing very well. I am a fan of Ryan Gravenberch. And also Jurriën Timber, who is now coming through. So you see that new boys always come through at Ajax,” added De Jong.
Not only did he face Roma with Milan, but also playing for Ajax in the Champions League over 18 years ago.
“I think I still had hair at the time!” he laughed. “I do remember there was a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and it was very cold.
“Roma was a wonderful opponent at the time, just look at the names that played there at that time.”