Roma director of sport Gianluca Petrachi believes “stopping the entire league would’ve been the fair thing to do” amid the Coronavirus outbreak.
Their trip to Cagliari kicks off at 17.00 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
This is one of only two Serie A games going ahead today, as five were postponed to May 13, sparking a great deal of controversy.
Roma director of sport Gianluca Petrachi believes “stopping the entire league would’ve been the fair thing to do” amid the Coronavirus outbreak.
Their trip to Cagliari kicks off at 17.00 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
This is one of only two Serie A games going ahead today, as five were postponed to May 13, sparking a great deal of controversy.
“Roma have always been able to play, so fortunately weren’t affected. In a way, we could’ve done with a rest, considering our schedule!” Petrachi told Sky Sport Italia.
“I do feel perhaps stopping the entire league would’ve been the fair thing to do. It’s difficult in these situations, as it’s an event we’ve never dealt with before, public health is at serious risk and we therefore have to listen to the authorities.”
Roma are in the middle of a takeover bid from the Friedkin Group, ending eight years of James Pallotta rule.
“We remained concentrated and detached from the months of gossip. We’re focused on taking it one game at a time, getting back on track and continuing this positive trend.
“There are those working on a potential change of ownership, that doesn’t touch us and we are entirely focused on football matters.
“This takeover had seemed imminent for months, but I’ve been allowed to get on with my work, we have not talked about any financial issues, so there’s no need to think about this until any takeover is complete and we can then see what their future plans are.”
The Giallorossi seem to be back on track after a dismal start to 2020.
“This team played great football and did so as a collective up until Christmas. When we returned from the winter break, perhaps because of transfer gossip or other issues, something changed.
“The moment we realised that something had gone wrong, some fear set in. This is a very attack-minded team, so either we all sacrifice ourselves for the collective or we suffer.
The lads spoke to each other and over the last couple of weeks we have seen more of the Roma from earlier in the season.”