Stephan El Shaarawy praised Roma ‘character and determination’ after the 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, but warns it’s not over.
Lorenzo Pellegrini, El Shaarawy and Gianluca Mancini got the goals in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16.
Stephan El Shaarawy praised Roma ‘character and determination’ after the 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, but warns it’s not over.
Lorenzo Pellegrini, El Shaarawy and Gianluca Mancini got the goals in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16.
“We proved our character and determination in a game that was very tough, which we knew because our coach also worked with them and told us what to expect,” El Shaarawy told Sky Sport Italia.
“We put in a good performance, having a result like this in the first half certainly boosts our confidence. It’ll be a tough game in Ukraine too and it's not over yet.
“I wanted this return to Roma, but I was ready to wait for my moment and now I am very happy.”
This game was played at the Stadio Olimpico, where Italy will open their Euro 2020 campaign against Turkey this summer, and three Italians were on target.
“Of course, playing for the Nazionale and winning a trophy is the aim of every professional. We want to keep preparing and be ready when the tournament comes.”