Aurelio Andreazzoli prepares for his first Derby della Capitale as Roma Coach and admits “it is worth far more than three points.”
Aurelio Andreazzoli prepares for his first Derby della Capitale as Roma Coach and admits “it is worth far more than three points.”
He has been part of the Giallorossi staff for many years, but this will be his debut as the main man. It kicks off on Monday evening at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“It is a great privilege for me to be here for the Rome derby and I want to enjoy it all the way,” said Andreazzoli in his Press conference.
“The fact Lazio have won the last three derbies could weigh on us, but we have to focus only on this match. If anything is going to have an influence, it could be last week’s defeat to Palermo.
“It will be decisive to keep our cool, especially as there were so many red cards in recent meetings with Lazio.
“Obviously winning against Palermo would’ve allowed us to go into this game with three more points and the confidence that had been building in recent weeks.”
Andreazzoli refused to confirm whether he would use three or four at the back.
“We are capable of changing system because I have players who can adapt to any situation. The derby is worth three points, but also much more than that. We need to use the ability to suffer under pressure and turn that pressure into positive energy.”
President James Pallotta flew in from Boston for the game and had lunch with the squad.
“It is always a pleasure to see him. He came to meet with us during a difficult moment and we hope to give him something enjoyable.
“I asked the players to find the reasons for the bad performance against Palermo, where we fully deserved to lose, and I think we know the path we have to take.”
Federico Balzaretti has not recovered in time, while Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and Ivan Piris are suspended.