Como coach Cesc Fabregas believes the Europa League duel between Roma and Bayer Leverkusen is ’50-50’ and underlined the qualities of Atalanta ahead of their match with Olympique Marseille.
The Giallorossi have impressed on the European stage under Daniele De Rossi over the last few months, beating Feyenoord in the knockout play-offs, Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton in the Round of 16 and Milan in the quarter-finals, a result that’s likely condemned Stefano Pioli.
On the other side of the bracket, Atalanta have continued shining under Gian Piero Gasperini, topping their Europa League group before picking up wins over Sporting CP and Liverpool in the knockout stages, putting them a step away from a European final.
Fabregas on Europa League semi-finals
Speaking at the UEFA Enterprise sponsor ‘Rent-A-Player’ event via TMW, Fabregas first weighed in on Roma’s upcoming clash with the high-flying Bayer Leverkusen.
“It will be a very good match. It’s very, very close. It’s a 50-50. Obviously, Bayer Leverkusen is having a fantastic season.
“Having already won the league, I think it will be a fantastic match, because Roma are also growing with their new coach, Daniele De Rossi. It will be interesting, I will be in front of the TV watching it.”
Fabregas then gave his thoughts on Atalanta’s battle with Marseille.
“We saw what Atalanta can do, beating Liverpool 3-0. Believe me, I’ve played many times in that stadium and it’s not easy at all. They are a very physical team, who go man-to-man all over the pitch and throughout.
“However, it will be difficult because Marseille, since they changed coach, also play with a different style, so it will be an interesting challenge.”
The Como coach commented on the favourites for the Europa League title.
“I think Leverkusen, when you watch them play, are in a moment where everything they touch turns to gold. They can continue to win, even when they are down to 10 men. They have a great mentality. They feel this moment, where everything you touch can turn into a goal.
“Or if something ever happens, they will find a way, and this is very important for a team when they are in this state of form, in these dynamics and I’m sure they will try to implement it until at the end of the season and to also win something important, in addition to the league.”