Bodø/Glimt-Roma 2-1 and Salernitana.

We assume that Norwegian lightning does not match the stereotype of the Norwegian football team. With great determination, they combine good tactics, excellent speed and great technical quality. Roma played well (better than other times when we won) and took the lead thanks to a lifted pass by Mkhi for Pelle who scored from the left at the near post. We then conceded goals on two of our great technical errors. Goals from Saltnes and Veltnes. 2-1. In the return we will have to be more humble.

The fact that Bodø kept us at bay with their defense and then hit on two of our burrs, must make us downsize the opponent. Bodø is strong and must be respected. The synthetic field is an excuse. They deserved it, they took home the first round and, if they go on, they have a good chance of taking home the Europa Conference League. For this reason, our best fans and the best performances of our players will be needed when they return home to the Olimpico. Salernitana, desperate for victory to save herself, will be a good test of preparation.

Nicola fielded 4231 and 3412 with pressure and attacking play, but also attention in defense. The three midfielders have a very free interpretation of the role and can exchange positions. Usually they are very much in the center to help the two midfielders in pressing. They attack on their left, our right, with Ruggeri, Ederson, Verdi. Ruggeri is very fast and very good at cross. In place of Ederson, Nicola can field Radovanovic, better in the defensive phase, better in playmaking, but less proactive in attack. In fact, he can also be deployed as a central back.

Kastanos has a deadly right, but from the right he can go towards the center to look for the left-footed shot. Djuric is the first striker: powerful and strong with the head. Under construction against the pressing they can look for the long ball for Djuric who looks for the foul. The most talented players are Verdi (very good at free kicks and corners, who can hit well with both left and right) and, Ribery (instead of suspended Bonazzoli), a great striker with excellent dribbling and who produces excellent assists.

They defend man by man on corner kicks.

It will take greater humility to defeat the Salernitana and the toothbrushes on the edge of the Arctic Circle: nothing beyond our possibilities. Daje Roma!

Giordano Sepi