Jose Mourinho keeps Sampdoria guessing on the tactical changes to Roma, but explains why Tammy Abraham is preferred upfront despite not having ‘the same strong mentality’ as Andrea Belotti.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
The coach returns to the touchline after a two-match Serie A ban and is also back talking to the media, as the club had imposed a press silence during the period of his suspension.
Bryan Cristante, Marash Kumbulla, Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibanez are all suspended with Rick Karsdorp injured, so is Mourinho worried?
“I am not worried, no. We worked during the week with the objective of forgetting everything, including the problems of missing players, so we can give a positive response,” the coach told DAZN.
It seems to be a move to four at the back for this game due to the reshuffled defence, though the Special One is again keeping tight-lipped.
“Obviously, we have certain routines and dynamics you cannot change in just a week, but we worked hard, especially with the players who were not on international duty and could stay with us.
“The most important thing today is to win. Yes, it’s true, I was a little more philosophical when telling you I was not worried, but there are many players who are not here. The lads must give their all to win the game.”
Mourinho was a little more open when asked why Abraham has been preferred to Belotti upfront against Sampdoria.
“Both Abraham and Belotti worked well in training, to tell the truth. Il Gallo has a special mentality, as he played a couple of days after surgery on his hand. Tammy doesn’t have the same strong mentality as Gallo, but is technically gifted and today we play with El Shaarawy, Dybala and Pellegrini close to a striker, so we think Tammy can interact better with them.”
The Giallorossi suffered two consecutive defeats to Sassuolo and Lazio before the break for international duty, but now have the chance to catch third-placed Inter in third place on 50 points with a victory today.