Massara: ‘Roma can turn disappointment into positive energy’
Roma director Ricky Massara wants them to ‘turn disappointment into positive energy’ against Lecce to revitalise their Serie A campaign after Europa League elimination.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
There is the very real risk that Roma’s campaign could fall apart, as after a Coppa Italia exit and one point from three Serie A rounds seeing them slide down to sixth place, they were knocked out of the Europa League Round of 16.
“We want to get straight back on track and turn that disappointment into positive energy, so we can end the season on a high,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.
Roma losing momentum during campaign
The 4-3 home defeat to Bologna in extra time left a bitter taste in the mouth, and added another couple of names to the injury list, as Zeki Celik and Manu Koné are out of action, joining Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson.
Wesley also sits out a ban after his controversial red card in the defeat to Como, so Neil El Aynaoui and Nicolò Pisilli come in.
“El Aynaoui did very well at the start of the season, then was one of the best players at the Africa Cup of Nations. Pisilli had more playing time and opportunity during that period to prove himself, so both are midfielders we can rely on.”
While the attack is decimated, curiously the statistics show that Roma score more goals now than earlier in the season, but are leaking them at the back instead.
“It’s true that we are reflecting on the number of injuries in attack, yet have become more prolific upfront with the arrival of Malen, and have lost some of the solidity we had in defence. The coach is working on trying to rediscover that strength that we counted on for so much of the season,” confessed the director.
Como crushed Pisa 5-0 earlier today, but Juventus were held 1-1 by Sassuolo last night, so at least Roma could leapfrog the Old Lady to recapture fifth place.
Italy are gearing up for the 2026 World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland, but clubs were unable to find any extra time for CT Gennaro Gattuso to prepare.
“The calendar is a critical issue, as we all agree it is crucial for Italy to qualify for the World Cup, but the fixture list is so packed that it is impossible to find room for anything else. This is something we’ve been discussing for years now and cannot seem to find a solution,” concluded Massara.