Verona’s Andrea Mandorlini says he will look to take advantage of Roma’s weaknesses on Saturday, but admits they have very few.
The Gialloblu head down to the capital on Saturday evening for a daunting test against one of the only two sides still with a 100 per cent record in Serie A this term.
“If you look at the numbers it’s a very strong team, almost unbeatable,” Mandorlini has told reporters today.
Verona’s Andrea Mandorlini says he will look to take advantage of Roma’s weaknesses on Saturday, but admits they have very few.
The Gialloblu head down to the capital on Saturday evening for a daunting test against one of the only two sides still with a 100 per cent record in Serie A this term.
“If you look at the numbers it’s a very strong team, almost unbeatable,” Mandorlini has told reporters today.
“They won 10 consecutive games last year to start the season, and this year they’re already at four.
“They have reinforced again – they can at times get into some difficulties with countermeasures put in place by opponents, but they are ready and equipped to compete with Juve, who for me remain a small notch above because they are aware of their strengths and winning helps to win.
“For the title it remains a two-horse race, I don’t think anyone can get close.”
One area which gives Mandorlini a little reason for optimism is that Roma will be missing a number of players.
“They have a lot of absentees but they’re still strong. We are tranquil and aware that every game has its own story, I hope to create some difficulties for them.
“Sometimes you have to recognise the qualities of the opponent, and Roma have many.”
The 54-year-old will also have to contend with many injuries of his own.
“We’ve lost a lot of players. Goalkeeper Rafael and [Francesco] Benussi will remain at home and there won’t be defenders [Alessandro] Agostini, Rafa Marquez and [Ivan Martic].
“In midfield, we will be without [Emil] Hallfredsson, [Jacopo] Sala and Lazaros [Christodoulopoulos]. We’re going to have four youngsters from the Primavera – goalkeepers Ferrari and Salvetti together with Fares and Capelluzzo.”
As far as which formation he will opt for in the game, Mandorlini hinted he will likely stick with his back-three setup.
“We’ll see, I’m happy with the back three but it will be a different game compared to the last one.
“We’re missing Marquez, but even Rodriguez can play in a three man defence, he already did it at Torino.
“In the five in midfield, the role of outside right could be eventually covered by Sorensen and Jankovic, who have good feet.”