Roma – CSKA Sofia 0-0

Bad game. We played very badly. We did not succeed especially in the last pass. We didn't have enough patience. Our coach was also wrong. We had first to field at least Dzeko. We could play at the same time with Pedro-Dzeko-Mkhi. Brunetto on the left does not work and in general the right importance was not given to a game that could mortgage the qualification (and the players perceived this and, consequently, played in a not very aggressive way). Or as the good Daniele Lozzi says “Once we found that they were all in defense and played with only one real striker (Sowe), we could go from 3421 to 4231”.

There are also some positive notes: Smalling's return to the field, yet another good performance from Villar. Overall, the defense held up well (also thanks to a good performance by Fazio and Juan Jesus, who were so insulted this summer) and Pau Lopez made a couple of good saves.

In general, the Italians did not do well. We went from 5w 1d 1l on the first day to 2w 4d 1l on the second day. There are teams that have a good probability of passing the round (Rome, Milan and Lazio), teams that have a good chance (Juve, Atalanta and Napoli) and others for which it is imperative to win in the next round (like Inter who will have double confrontation with Real Madrid in full storm for the Benzema controversy).

We, as mentioned, have a good probability of going through. The standing says: Cluj 4, Roma 4, YB 1 and CSKA S. 1. In a week we will face Cluj which proved to be the best of the others 3. We can also make a turnover both because even those who play less are good quality, both to make them familiar with the field, but if we see that things are not going as they should, we must make the changes first.

Now head to Fiorentina: a team of much greater depth than CSKA Sofia. On the other hand, it has classy players like Ribery, Castrovilli and Amrabat. In the post-game, Fonseca said we're in better shape than we were in the same period last year and I tend to believe he's sincere. It will take a lot of heart, what we didn't show last night, but we have every chance to win. Daje Roma!

Giordano Sepi