Lorenzo Pellegrini reveals how Daniele De Rossi has transformed his Roma performances compared to Jose Mourinho. ‘That is what I have been lacking in the last year and a half.’
The Giallorossi inevitably had a little fatigue after Thursday’s 1-0 Europa League defeat to Brighton, which still saw them qualify for the quarter-finals against Milan.
Paulo Dybala was out of action and Romelu Lukaku shook off a hip inflammation to start, but it was captain Pellegrini who again scored the winner against Sassuolo with a right-foot curler from outside the box.
The woodwork also came to their rescue as Diego Llorente risked an own goal, but it keeps Roma in fifth place and just three points off Bologna in fourth.
“It is only right for a team that wants to improve and get up the table to fight to the end. We knew that we had to win at all costs, whereas in Florence considering how things were going, it was important to at least not lose,” Pellegrini told DAZN.
After the goal, there was a run to hug his coach De Rossi on the touchline and it is safe to say that Pellegrini is a player reborn, especially compared to how he struggled under Mourinho’s tenure.
The midfielder now has six goals and three assists in just 13 games under De Rossi.
“Daniele has always been a reference point for me, even when we were teammates. I was fortunate enough to experience him as a teammate and as a coach, so I hope he’s enjoying the experience of coaching me.
“I think that I need to feel free in the midfield, to find my own way, discover where the spaces open up and follow those opportunities. I think that is what I have been lacking in the last year and a half.”
Roma will play against Milan in the Europa League quarter-finals in an Italian derby next month.
“We know that at this level, just like last season, all the teams in the draw are strong. Either way, it was going to be tough, we will prepare and try everything to reach the next phase. Milan are a strong side, but we should believe in ourselves too.”