Daniele De Rossi underlined the difficulties for his Roma ahead of their clash with Bologna and hit out at both Lega Serie A and Lazio.
The Giallorossi have been hot on the heels of Thiago Motta’s side for weeks, desperately fighting in the race for a Champions League finish, and their persistence has seemingly paid off following the confirmation that Serie A has secured a fifth spot in Europe’s premier club competition.
De Rossi’s Roma are now gearing up for a key head-to-head clash with Bologna, scheduled for 17.30 on Monday at the Stadio Olimpico. The result of this could prove decisive in the fight to finish fourth, putting pressure on both sides.
De Rossi press conference
Speaking in a press conference via TMW, De Rossi first discussed Roma’s mid-week win over Milan.
“It was a difficult match against Milan, a great physical and mental effort was needed. The boys made an incredible effort, but we recovered and are ready to play.”
He confirmed that Romelu Lukaku wouldn’t be available to face Bologna.
“Lukaku won’t be in the match. He had a minor muscular problem, but we’re confident it’s nothing serious. One of Azmoun or Abraham will play, we’ll understand better today. I won’t rule out that we can use them both.”
De Rossi was asked to give his thoughts on the decision to move the match against Udinese to April 25th.
“Yes, I find myself trained with the words of the club. I had talked about it with Lina, Maurizio and the presidents. Serie A itself has always helped us and the teams involved in Europe to manage these matches in the best way.
“A particular precedent has been created here, in my memory it’s the first time that a day and time hasn’t been granted to help a team involved in such an important semi-final. I’m sorry that Casini did not listen to our legitimate and sacrosanct requests.
“I’m sorry for Butti who is a man of football, he was in the Treble-winning Inter, he knows very well how one day more or less can be decisive, otherwise the Florida effect is triggered, repeated words make you feel tired.
“Repeating that we are tired, and they haven’t protected us can be counterproductive. It’s true that they haven’t protected us, but I won’t tell the kids anymore.”
The Roma coach touched on his expectations for the match with Bologna.
“I’ve said it many times already, they’re the most fascinating team in the league. Milan played well, Inter play well, Fiorentina play well, but they are teams with high quality players. Bologna on the other hand is a constructed team for mid-table and are doing a masterpiece.
Which is why my compliments are always sincere, to Thiago and to the club. Tactically they’re a very fluid team, the central players fit in a lot. It’s fascinating to watch them. It’s difficult to study them and face them.
