Paulo Fonseca warns 'Roma will face Milan and not only Zlatan Ibrahimovic' and reveals when Chris Smalling will return to action.
"Ibrahimovic is definitely a great pro, otherwise he couldn’t play like he is doing at 39,” Fonseca said on the eve of Milan-Roma.
“This is not a match against [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, it’s against Milan. I don’t prepare the match with just one player in mind. We worked thinking about the whole team,” he insisted.
Paulo Fonseca warns 'Roma will face Milan and not only Zlatan Ibrahimovic' and reveals when Chris Smalling will return to action.
"Ibrahimovic is definitely a great pro, otherwise he couldn’t play like he is doing at 39,” Fonseca said on the eve of Milan-Roma.
“This is not a match against [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, it’s against Milan. I don’t prepare the match with just one player in mind. We worked thinking about the whole team,” he insisted.
The Rossoneri can rely on the Swede while Roma will count on Edin Dzeko up front.
"They are both very important players,” Fonseca said.
“However, I don’t want to make comparisons as I am not working every day with Ibrahimovic.
“I can tell you how important Dzeko is to us. They are two players who play in the same position, with similar characteristics, but for me it matters that Dzeko is a great player who is feeling well and is motivated.
"We have created a strong identity, the latest results have been positive and are a demonstration that we are all in harmony, motivated and with confidence.
"Milan are in shape, the coach is doing a beautiful job, but we are also feeling fine, we are motivated and the team is confident.
“It will be a technically interesting match, both will sides will want to win. We want to prove we are a great team.”
The Giallorossi will be without the injured Chris Smalling who, however, is close to returning to action.
"He’s fine, but he’s not ready for tomorrow. I think he can go back to the Europa League,” Fonseca revealed.
The Portuguese tactician believes there will be no need to change Serie A’s format despite the Covid-19 situation getting worse in Italy.
"I think we can stay like this until the end of the season. All the teams are working to finish the championship responsibly.
“Then of course I’m worried about the general situation. We must all be careful and respect the rules because it is a difficult time and we must show responsibility."
Fonseca concludes the press conference naming the favourite clubs to win the Serie A title.
"For me they are Juventus and Inter, then other teams can make a good season.
"What happened in these days is a demonstration of the balance of this championship. We can either play against the first one or against the last one in the table and it is always a difficult match.”