“The former defender and now pundit on Roma’s captain: “He needs to strive to play his game seriously and consistently while waiting for the peaks. Pisilli is one who adds value”

After the break for international duties, Roma will gradually welcome back all its players traveling around the world. Preparations are now underway for the crucial clash against Inter at the historic Olimpico Stadium, a crucial point in the season where the Giallorossi (Yellow and Reds) are in desperate need of assurance and points. Speaking to ‘Radio Manà Manà’, Daniele Adani weighs in on the Roman team’s current state ahead of the big match with the Nerazzurri (Black and Blues). This Sunday, Roma faces Inter, the anticipation is sky-high and you can just imagine the build-up for the match. “Inter is powerful, it has a number of rotations and various interpretations. It’s a challenging match for Roma who have to bring out their best during this difficult time.

Juric seems to be handling the match better than the others, he probably won’t lose his identity. Do you believe that Roma has less to lose? The focus here is on the approach of Juric’s football, his ability to close down and suffocate is well known. The question that arises is whether it’s within Roma’s capabilities. In Turin, there were thrilling bursts of speed from the forwards, but the situation in Rome is different. A compromise must be found. Inter makes you exhaust your efforts in vain, Milan has not let itself be taken for a ride and has managed to hold its own game, but in general, it’s not easy.

The characteristics of Roma’s strikers need to be put into context. “Roma is born to shape the game, then we will see how it goes but its purchases suggest this.”

“Do you think the criticisms about Pellegrini are justified? He has a great responsibility, the attention and responsibilities on him are amplified. Paradoxically, considering his quality, role, history, and attitude, he should be doing complex tasks. But now, he should be undertaking simple things and possess the mental ability to make the right choice. Against Belgium, he had played a good match in the first 40 minutes, doing what he does when he’s in top form. “He must dilute his performance along with the others; it’s more of a mental challenge than a technical one”.

Pellegrini is a case of black and white; if he is not at his best, he simply cannot perform his role. “He seems unable to pull off this task, he needs to strive for a serious and consistent performance while waiting for the highpoints to come.”

“On one hand, there is Pisilli whom we are trying to protect, on the other hand, there is Bove who perhaps too lightly left Roma.” It’s a shame that Bove is no longer with us, I believe the team needs young talents like him, but now he has the chance to play as a starter. On the other hand, Pisilli is truly a gift of intelligence, humility, and quality. “It’s not just about availability, but him adding to it. I’m pleased that he made his debut on the national team, I am delighted when there are stories like these.” Were you surprised by Milan’s attitude? “This has been a powerful choice, which however, does not surprise me. Fonseca is looking for many solutions on the ball – to ensure endurance, growth is needed. The impact might astonish, but when it needs to be consolidated and adapted to the competitors, it must vary in interpretations. One must understand whether Morata will continue playing as the support striker, or if a choice between him and Abraham has to be made to introduce a raider, and so on. “Milan needs to solidify unity even among the members within the team.”

“Do you think Conte could be a leading figure?” “I believe so, I came across a statistic that since the season of ’90-’91, only three teams have clinically clinched the Scudetto without any cups, and it happened with Milan and with Juve. It’s not a given that he could win the championship, but he’s doing well. He seems like the usual Conte, but with a heightened sense of mission and great tranquility. “The endeavor seems achievable to him, he started off well although he now faces a challenging schedule.”