President James Pallotta says Roma are ‘ready’ for Juventus and predicts a ‘fun, great game’ against Fiorentina.
The Giallorossi will be facing a tough opening to March as the decisive Serie A clash against the Bianconeri on Monday will be followed, 11 days later, by the Europa League Last 16 tie against La Viola.
Pallotta, questioned by the Gazzetta dello Sport and retesport after a meeting with Rome mayor Ignazio Marino over the future property stadium, seemed unconcerned by the Lupi's recent dearth of results.
President James Pallotta says Roma are ‘ready’ for Juventus and predicts a ‘fun, great game’ against Fiorentina.
The Giallorossi will be facing a tough opening to March as the decisive Serie A clash against the Bianconeri on Monday will be followed, 11 days later, by the Europa League Last 16 tie against La Viola.
Pallotta, questioned by the Gazzetta dello Sport and retesport after a meeting with Rome mayor Ignazio Marino over the future property stadium, seemed unconcerned by the Lupi's recent dearth of results.
“I think the team is ready [for Juventus],” he said.
“I'm very happy with the game the players showed us yesterday, which they played in a hostile environment.
“The team and the staff showed that they were ready. I think that Gervinho's behaviour in particular was phenomenal.
“Walking back into the pitch after some of the things that happened inside the stadium – things that I'd call racist – and then coming back and scoring, well, he couldn't have done it better,” said Pallotta, in reference to the inflatable banana thrown on to the pitch.
“But I liked the attitude of his teammates even better than the goal.
“I'd gladly take a yellow card a day if it means that my players receive the kind of support shown by [Miralem] Pjanic and the rest of the team after the banana was thrown.
“I'm even prouder about the rest of the team. It proves that they're united as a group.
“As for Roma-Fiorentina, I think it'll be fun. I'm expecting a great game.”
Finally, Pallotta was also able to release some statements about the upcoming stadium.
“We discussed and examined all the arguments. We are working within schedule and our relationship is cooperative.
“I couldn't be happier than I am to be working with the people who were present at the meeting.
“Over the last year we made solid progress. We'll have a great stadium. I see no obstacles. We're working really well.
“And soon you can expect a great statement about Roma Cares,” he said, in reference to the initiative that will link the Giallorossi club to a network of charities.