Braga – Roma 0-2

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It was a good match and a good victory against an opponent of good technical caliber. Although they played 30 minutes outnumbered, the percentage of ball possession is close to parity. In particular, we were good in defense (Good Mancini, Spina and Karsdorp who had the good Galeno in front) and in midfield (surprising Diawara, confirmed Gonzalito and good Giordano Veretout also as a right winger). Perhaps in attack we could have done more (especially on the counterattack). However Pedro, Mkhi, Dzeko and Borja showed their excellent technical qualities. Welcome back El Shaarawi, to whom we are bound by a lasting, ancient and great affection. He has shown good will, but he still has to get into shape. He is an extra weapon.

Bravi Spina and Dzeko on the occasion of the first goal. In the first half, the theme is: their possession, our counterattack. We have the best occasions.

Cristante (low back pain) and Ibanez (discomfort in the right flexor) must leave the field early, this could be a problem for the game, but Esgaio was sent off immediately afterwards. So we have the opportunity to close the qualification, we build many chances, but we don't manage to finish effectively, until Borja Mayoral's goal (who substituted Dzeko) on an assist from Veretout. It is a nice 0-2 but the final feeling is that we just missed to close the round in the first leg.

The qualification is by no means closed (and it could have been). There is a need to put the maximum effort into second leg. We are certainly in better shape than Milan, Napoli and Juve (even if the latter is in the Champions League), but in Europe we must also see Manchester United and Tottenham who slaughtered Real Sociedad (0-4) and Wolfsberger (1-4) respectively. at their home.

Now head to Benevento. We will have to monitor the situation of Cristante and Ibanez. We have a good team and we need to feed our strong desire to find a strong victory. Daje Roma!

Giordano Sepi