Roma are in the semifinals of the Europa League. The opponent will be Manchester United. Another English team is back as the last obstacle to the cup final. Similar to the ride in the Champions League of a few years ago then closed against Liverpool. Another very prestigious result. But now it’s time to raise the bar.
Roma have come a long way in Europe and eliminated important teams like Ajax last night. A lot of suffering, of course. That was expected. But the extreme containment tactic of the first half was perhaps not the best option. Defending and starting again, yes, but being crushed in that way constantly could cost you dearly.
And in fact, Roma then risked a little less when in the second half they came out of their shell after Ajax took the lead. It was important to keep them in their own half, and look for the safety goal. Which then came. Again he, the cup hero Edin Dzeko to unravel the problem, after the cancellation of their doubling from the Var, that luckily puts the result back in place.
Along with Edin, good play by Cristante, Karsdorp and Mayoral, very good at keeping the ball in the last 10 minutes. And Calafiori also for the assist to Edin. The final whistle was a liberation. And here we are now. At Old Trafford we will have to play like at the Amsterdam Arena. We are underdogs but we will play for it. Head and heart. Bring it on. Until April 29th. Forza Roma!
