Eusebio Di Francesco fears Roma physical and emotional fatigue against a Cagliari side desperate to avoid the drop. “We expect a battle.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
They have to dive straight back into Serie A football after Tuesday’s dramatic 4-2 win over Liverpool, which still saw them controversially go out of the Champions League semi-final 7-6 on aggregate.
Eusebio Di Francesco fears Roma physical and emotional fatigue against a Cagliari side desperate to avoid the drop. “We expect a battle.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
They have to dive straight back into Serie A football after Tuesday’s dramatic 4-2 win over Liverpool, which still saw them controversially go out of the Champions League semi-final 7-6 on aggregate.
“It was honestly a very draining experience in every respect, we have many borderline situations with players who aren’t at their best. I will evaluate who is available, but Kevin Strootman, Diego Perotti, Gregoire Defrel and Rick Karsdorp are certainly out,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“The greatest danger we face tomorrow is Cagliari’s desire to get a result. They need points for safety and Sardinia has always been a very tough place to play for Roma. It’ll be a very tough match for us and we expect a real battle, but we’re ready to face it with our own strengths.
“We come into this game during a delicate time, as we used up a lot of energy against Liverpool and I must make the right choices. I know full well what the mentality is of teams who are fighting against relegation, because I experienced it at Sassuolo.”
Considering this was his first season at a big club, it’s remarkable that Di Francesco reached the Champions League semi-final and is currently third in Serie A, so is it safe to say his contract will be renewed?
“We all want to grow and continue this journey. It’s a very positive and constructive environment. Someone talked about a contract, I am very happy and want to continue this journey, so at the right moment we will sit down. Meanwhile, the most important thing is to qualify for the Champions League.
“When you have something positive, it’s only right to build on that and not take it apart. This year more than anything else I saw a great sense of belonging from players and fans.
“What I like is that the team always wants to take the initiative and take the game to the opposition. It’s not passive and that is what I want to see. We don’t react, we act.”