Roma defender Davide Astori says of title-rivals Juventus that they're 'still human', whilst confirming his desire to stay in Rome.
The race for the Scudetto may be all but over after the Giallorossi failed to narrow their nine-point gap last Monday, when they drew the Bianconeri 1-1, but there are still those who believe in exploiting the champions' weaknesses.
“Fiorentina gave them some real trouble yesterday,” Astori has said, in reference to La Viola's 2-1 victory over Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg.
Roma defender Davide Astori says of title-rivals Juventus that they're 'still human', whilst confirming his desire to stay in Rome.
The race for the Scudetto may be all but over after the Giallorossi failed to narrow their nine-point gap last Monday, when they drew the Bianconeri 1-1, but there are still those who believe in exploiting the champions' weaknesses.
“Fiorentina gave them some real trouble yesterday,” Astori has said, in reference to La Viola's 2-1 victory over Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg.
“But for that matter, in the final minutes of our game we also gave them a scare.
“They've always been human too. In the last 20 minutes we made use of our last energies, sending out a strong message against a team like Juventus.
“All in all we were playing a pretty good game. Juventus' goal allowed us to play freely and take risks, with nothing to lose.”
Roma have been criticised for a decline in their defensive performances compared to last year, particularly after the departure of Mehdi Benatia to Bayern Munich, but Astori dismissed these comparisons.
“It's reductive to compare our statistics with those from last season. We're the second strongest defence in Serie A and that's important to us.
“We have conceded a few naïve goals too many, but we're a team that takes risks, even though they're calculated risks.
“In particular we take risks down the middle of the pitch, but that happens to 90 per cent of teams out there.”
Finally, the 28-year-old discussed his prospects, as he is currently on loan from Cagliari.
“I'd like to reassure myself and all those who believe in me. I'll give everything I've got to conquer and maintain these colours.
“I'd like to stay at Roma, like 99 per cent of players do. I want to show that I can be part of this team, as I've shown many times already.”
Roma, whose loan has cost them €2m, have an option to buy Astori permanently at the end of the season for another €5m.