Rudi Garcia was satisfied with Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah after Roma started the season with a 1-1 draw at Verona.

Alessandro Florenzi cancelled out a Bosko Jankovic opener after Daniele De Rossi’s goal-line clearance proved decisive in the first half.

“Edin had a great first half and an excellent chance with a header at the end,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

Rudi Garcia was satisfied with Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah after Roma started the season with a 1-1 draw at Verona.

Alessandro Florenzi cancelled out a Bosko Jankovic opener after Daniele De Rossi’s goal-line clearance proved decisive in the first half.

“Edin had a great first half and an excellent chance with a header at the end,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“What we lacked was a higher tempo, as we weren’t quick enough in possession and above all lacked width. We corrected that with Iago Falque, who helped spread out the Verona defence on the left."

Although Falque substituted Mohamed Salah, he moved Gervinho over to the right flank.

“We knew they would be tough at the Bentegodi and it will be for others who come here too. We could’ve earned three points today, the collective approach is right and we are on the right track, even though it wasn’t enough for victory today.

“Tonight we could’ve done better in attack and perhaps had too many touches, but the state of this pitch forced us to always take a touch first.

“Let’s not forget Edin just arrived and had only one friendly with us, while Mohamed has also had little time to settle.

“Above all in the first half, we saw Edin can play with his first touch and that’s what we lacked somewhat elsewhere. Salah was close to scoring his first goal with us and wanted to stay out for longer, but it’s important the players know I need everyone over the campaign.”

Roma have had a deal with PSG for Lucas Digne, but the transfer is continually delayed.

“I am not worried, we have time to get a left-back and are evaluating different options. It would be good to start working with this new player over the next few days.

“The only negative in Vasilis Torosidis’ performance was going out of position on the Jankovic goal.”

Juventus begin their campaign against Udinese on Sunday and Garcia will be watching.

“It will above all be interesting because we play them next, so watching that we’ll have a better idea of their identity now.

“They lost important players like Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo, but also bought talents and – like us – they need time to work and get the best out of the squad.”

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