Luciano Spalletti was pleased with Roma for showing “patience to find the breakthrough” against Cagliari and credited Federico Fazio.
Edin Dzeko got the only goal of the game at the Stadio Olimpico, their third consecutive 1-0 Serie A success.
It also made history, matching the all-time club record of 13 Serie A home wins in a row, set in November 1930.
Luciano Spalletti was pleased with Roma for showing “patience to find the breakthrough” against Cagliari and credited Federico Fazio.
Edin Dzeko got the only goal of the game at the Stadio Olimpico, their third consecutive 1-0 Serie A success.
It also made history, matching the all-time club record of 13 Serie A home wins in a row, set in November 1930.
“We didn’t put in a great game, Cagliari had density in midfield and we tried to make adjustments, but weren’t our usual selves,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
“The team had patience, kept its balance and didn’t get panicked. We realised that, by staying calm, we were able to find the breakthrough.
“We attacked, but weren’t as determined as we should’ve been in the final third. Part of that was planned, as Cagliari are so strong on the counter with these two players between the lines.
“I think it was a deserved victory. There are many teams who can get back up the table, as Inter are coming up fast, Milan showed against Napoli they have good ideas and of course the Partenopei won.
“It’s a long road to the end and we need to stay focused on getting those results, like tonight, that might seem easier on paper, yet present great difficulties.
“Dzeko is becoming fundamental for us now, because when the opposition clams up, he is the only one who is really strong in the air and has that physicality to make his mark in a crowd of defenders.
“I thought the second half was balanced, the centre-backs cleaned everything up when Cagliari went on the counter. I had a fair few players who also faced Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia on Thursday, so the legs were a little tired.
“Cagliari have become far more solid now, as they were beaten at the last minute by Milan and last week defeated Genoa 4-1.
“Fazio isn’t mentioned often, but he always plays and that says something. He has the right timing, knows when to come out or go back. He was a midfielder at the start of his career and that all influences the way he passes the ball crisply.
“Recently the other defenders have rotated, but not him, because right now we cannot do without Fazio.”