Eusebio Di Francesco confessed Sassuolo were “naive” to throw away a 2-0 lead at Roma. “We could taste that victory.”
Simone Zaza’s early brace had put them 2-0 up and Daniele De Rossi was sent off, but Adem Ljajic scored twice in the final stages for a 2-2 result.
Eusebio Di Francesco confessed Sassuolo were “naive” to throw away a 2-0 lead at Roma. “We could taste that victory.”
Simone Zaza’s early brace had put them 2-0 up and Daniele De Rossi was sent off, but Adem Ljajic scored twice in the final stages for a 2-2 result.
“We also suffered under pressure in the first half, despite being 2-0 up, but remained aggressive in their half and managed to make life difficult for them many times,” Di Francesco told Sky Sport Italia.
“Conceding right at the end was a bit naive, but in my view Florenzi was offside. The penalty wasn’t entirely clear either, as if it deflects off his thigh and on to the arm, then the rules state that is not a spot-kick. But I don’t want to create pointless controversy.
“It’s a shame to concede at the 92nd, but that doesn’t change the excellent performance of my players. Unfortunately we could taste that victory.
“I always tell my lads to aim for a third goal, as I know my team and I know Roma, who are capable of turning any situation around. We lacked experience and intelligence to maintain possession late on, but this is part of the maturation process of my team.
“I like when we get the chance to face stronger sides than we are, as we can only learn from these experiences.
“It’s also partly my fault, as I always tell my players to pour forward and go for the goal. I try telling them to slow the tempo at times when under pressure, but even in training they want to go at 1,000km/h.”