Claudio Ranieri blamed the state of the Bentegodi pitch for Roma's chaotic 2-2 draw with Chievo. “It was like playing beach soccer.”
The conditions were decisive in the end, as the final goal came about when Rodrigo Taddei made a foul throw. From that move, the Flying Donkeys then created their strike.
“The line from the rugby pitch here was visible, but nobody noticed. I did and so did the fourth official, so I was shouting for Taddei to come back,” explained the Coach.
Claudio Ranieri blamed the state of the Bentegodi pitch for Roma's chaotic 2-2 draw with Chievo. “It was like playing beach soccer.”
The conditions were decisive in the end, as the final goal came about when Rodrigo Taddei made a foul throw. From that move, the Flying Donkeys then created their strike.
“The line from the rugby pitch here was visible, but nobody noticed. I did and so did the fourth official, so I was shouting for Taddei to come back,” explained the Coach.
“Unfortunately these things should not happen and playing on this pitch was impossible. We could not do more on this surface.”
The Giallorossi were 2-0 up with a Fabio Simplicio brace, but Davide Moscardelli and Pablo Granoche completed the comeback.
“Evidently the north end of the pitch was in better condition, as both teams struggled when attacking in that area. It was just impossible to put together any kind of decent move on the south end.
“We had taken the lead and played very well, even though on this surface it was more like playing beach soccer. I have to be thankful that nobody got hurt today, as there was a real risk for all 22 players out there.”
Daniele De Rossi was shown a straight red card for his tackle on Moscardelli and will be suspended for Roma's next game.
“Daniele made a mistake, as he should not be going into a challenge like that,” concluded Ranieri.
“I was pleased with Adriano's performance. I saw two weeks ago he was more determined and once he was back in shape I put him in the starting XI. He's on the right track.”