David Pizarro admits he was “shocked” by Roma under Rudi Garcia but “they're a totally different team” under Luciano Spalletti.
The Giallorossi have won six Serie A matches in a row, and face the Viola on Friday in a match which could be crucial for Champions League qualification. Click here for a match preview.
David Pizarro admits he was “shocked” by Roma under Rudi Garcia but “they're a totally different team” under Luciano Spalletti.
The Giallorossi have won six Serie A matches in a row, and face the Viola on Friday in a match which could be crucial for Champions League qualification. Click here for a match preview.
“The last time I went to a Roma game was in January, against Verona,” Pizarro, who played for both teams, revealed in an interview with Il Messaggero.
“I was quite shocked to be honest. I saw them again on Saturday against Empoli and they're a totally different team.
“Now I don’t think Fiorentina are favourites, in fact I’d say the Giallorossi have something more.
“They're a very good side with great players. Excellent midfielders, from [Seydou] Keita through to [Radja] Nainggolan and [Miralem] Pjanic. Real players.
"Spalletti is really up on the details. He makes sure every little thing is in place and it's the details that make the difference. He's also very good at creating unity in the squad. He gets everyone pulling in the same direction.”
Pizarro was part of the Lupi side which finished just two points behind champions Inter in 2010, and reflected upon that Scudetto challenge.
“Amazing, we were within touching distance of a miracle. That team can’t be compared to this one. There’s more money now, we only had 13 or 14 players.
“We were within touching distance of the Scudetto, it’s a real shame. I look at Inter now and think ‘Damn, couldn’t we have played this team back then?’.”