Roma coach Daniele De Rossi believes that Roma cannot rely on favours from any other side in Serie A, as he expects Atalanta to finish the 2023-24 season in the top four, which would confirm the Giallorossi’s position in the Europa League, rather than the Champions League for next season.
Roma will take part in their final Serie A game of the 2023-24 campaign on Sunday evening, kicking off against Empoli at 19.45 BST.
De Rossi was in for his customary pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon, where he discussed his team’s fortunes since his mid-season appointment, their chances of qualifying for the Champions League, and the availability of star forward Paulo Dybala.
De Rossi on Ghisolfi, Dybala and Roma Champions League hopes
The first question that came De Rossi’s way was on the topic of the club’s new technical director, Florent Ghisolfi. He was also asked about Dybala’s availability for Empoli.
“Roma have put out a statement, we’ve spoken with each other. The first impressions were good, but we have a lot of time to talk about him, about the market, about what will happen. I know you’re interested, but I have to force you to think about tomorrow’s game,” De Rossi said about Roma’s latest recruit.
He added: “Paulo is fine, he trained all week and can play.”
De Rossi was also asked what he has made of the ‘six months’ that he has been in charge of the club.
“It’s been less than six months, but it’s taught and given me a lot,” he said. “It’s reminded me of things I once knew, there will always be criticism, I knew that, but I was ready to go in a moment when we weren’t winning matches.
“It’s confirmed to me what needs to be improved. We are in the right place, and for now we are up to par. Next season will be important for us to create something long-lasting”
When asked if Roma ‘will get to see’ the Champions League next season, De Rossi joked: “I’ll watch it for sure!
“I have to think about putting the best team out on the pitch. It’s clear that the game is more important for Empoli, but we want to get as many points as possible, and also to continue our form in the league.”
De Rossi on Champions League and Atalanta favours
Realistically, De Rossi knows that it will be difficult for Roma to qualify for next season’s Champions League, from sixth place in Serie A.
In order for that to happen, Atalanta, currently in fifth, need to stay exactly where they are, however, they currently sit just two games behind Bologna, who have already finished their season.
To make matters worse for the Giallorossi, Atalanta have an extra game compared to basically every other team in the league. So, Gasperini’s side need three points from their next two games to make the top four. Two points will not be enough due to head-to-head results against Bologna this season.
“It’s difficult to see Atalanta not finishing in the top four, we can’t be expecting any favours,” De Rossi told the press.
“I’ve understood that for a while, that we won’t finish fifth, and the defeat against Bologna didn’t help us. If we do end up in the Europa League, that is what we will deserve, and there will be positives to take from it.
The coach then explained why he thinks Atalanta had much more success in their meeting with Bayer Leverkusen compared to Roma, who lost 4-2 on aggregate to the Germans in the semi-final.
“Playing in a final is completely different to playing two legs. They (Atalanta) were better (than us) and played with more energy. For us, it’s been a tough season, with opportunities to chase, but maybe there could have been one more round in Europe. Their squad has been put together on a physical level to hold their own against everyone, everywhere.”
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