Lorenzo Pellegrini insists the much-vaunted difference in intensity between Premier League and Serie A sides is not so clear after Roma’s 1-1 Conference League semi-final draw away to Leicester City.
The Giallorossi had gone in front at the King Power Stadium through Lorenzo Pellegrini’s well-worked goal, but after a long period of pressure, Ademola Lookman bundled over the line from the Barnes assist.
The away goals rule has been abolished in Europe this season, so whoever wins at the Stadio Olimpico on May 5 will go through to the Final in Tirana.
“It’s only normal to struggle against a side like this, it was not easy to play here, it was only the first half, but we are confident and I think we earned a good result with sacrifice this evening,” Pellegrini told Sky Sport Italia.
“There might be some truth to the claim the Premier League is played at a more intensive pace, because they are more open and don’t pay as much attention to tactics, but in my view the level of Serie A is climbing, as seen by how difficult it is for the top teams to beat even those near the bottom.
“Nicola is doing so well, I keep telling him he’s really good at taking men on. He dribbled past his man, created the space and made it easier for me, also found the right pass.
“We are always optimistic, we know it will be difficult, but we’re in our stadium with our fans, so let’s say we leave here happy and fired up for the next match.”
The captain takes charge 😤
Nicola Zalewski loses his marker with ease, sliding in Pellegrini who slides it past Schmeichel!
Leicester’s good start undone 👊#UECL pic.twitter.com/Tx6Sz7zGDN
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 28, 2022
Grande Capitano!