Luciano Spalletti was pleased Roma won at Sassuolo despite wasting numerous chances. “It was a deserved victory.”
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring, but the Giallorossi held on under pressure in the second half – and a Domenico Berardi missed penalty – to win 2-0.
“We showed great spirit and pace, especially in the first half, and also a bit of luck because Berardi is usually excellent at penalties,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium.
Luciano Spalletti was pleased Roma won at Sassuolo despite wasting numerous chances. “It was a deserved victory.”
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring, but the Giallorossi held on under pressure in the second half – and a Domenico Berardi missed penalty – to win 2-0.
“We showed great spirit and pace, especially in the first half, and also a bit of luck because Berardi is usually excellent at penalties,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium.
“Things are going the right way and this result can hopefully give us that bit of confidence that helps us to work better.”
Diego Perotti played for Genoa two days ago, yet was thrown straight in for his debut and set up Stephan El Shaarawy’s goal.
“We wanted a tactical approach that would stop Sassuolo making the most of their characteristics. We had to bring more density to the midfield, but in the second half they pegged us back, thanks in part to our own mistakes.
“Sassuolo are a very strong side and you have to work very hard here or you won’t emerge with a result. The fact we suffered to get the points was further credit to us.
“We had several chances to go 2-0 up in the first half, but the important thing at a moment like this is the result.”
Salah hadn’t scored since October 25, but broke through with a splendid curling strike.
“He is a great lad and needs the support and enthusiasm of everyone to give his best. I hope he can absorb what he needs to get back to being a great player. He scored an excellent goal tonight, he’s a little champion.”
Daniele De Rossi went off before the break with a suspected left calf strain.
“Daniele felt this twinge in his calf, so he preferred to warn the bench and when it got worse we opted for the substitution.”
Is it a coincidence that Roma have played much better under Spalletti when Edin Dzeko has been absent?
“The ‘Dzeko problem’ doesn’t exist. He doesn’t get enough service, he is different to the classic centre-forwards. We just haven’t figured out how to give him service yet. We need to make that effort first and then he’ll repay us with goals.
“If we hadn’t won this game tonight, it would’ve been extremely difficult. We know it’s tough and there are many obstacles, but if we can overcome those obstacles one at a time and use tonight’s spirit, we can recreate the enthusiasm that shared within and outside Roma becomes a lovely mix.”