Claudio Ranieri feels Roma played “a great game and shook off some taboos this week. We dedicate the victory to Francesco Totti.”
The Giallorossi won their third match on the trot in all competition after the midweek 3-2 at Basel, beating rivals Lazio 2-0
“We played a great game and in the last few days shook off some taboos, as we won our first Champions League away match and our first ‘away' – albeit at the Olimpico – in Serie A,” said the Coach.
Claudio Ranieri feels Roma played “a great game and shook off some taboos this week. We dedicate the victory to Francesco Totti.”
The Giallorossi won their third match on the trot in all competition after the midweek 3-2 at Basel, beating rivals Lazio 2-0
“We played a great game and in the last few days shook off some taboos, as we won our first Champions League away match and our first ‘away' – albeit at the Olimpico – in Serie A,” said the Coach.
“I am very satisfied with the performance quite apart from the goals, because Roma played with intelligence and tactical sense.
“The improvement isn't so much physical as our mentality. The lads knew how to react to setbacks and from the unfair defeat to Brescia onwards, I saw a different Roma, one with hunger and determination.
“We are overcoming this difficult period and now must carry on like this for another difficult game in three days.”
Totti was suspended for the Derby della Capitale and Jeremy Menez limped off in the first half, but their teammates still got the points.
“We dedicate the victory to Totti and all the lads who couldn't take part today,” continued Ranieri.
“Of course we missed Totti, as the captain's absence is always felt when he is not here. We'd also like to thank the real Romanisti, the fans who stayed by our side through thick and thin.”
Roma won thanks to two penalties, but Lazio were denied a clear spot-kick when John Arne Riise appeared to haul down Stefano Mauri.
“I say there were several penalties we should've had too,” replied Ranieri. “And what about Leandro Greco's goal that was disallowed? The referee had the eyesight of a lynx for that half-foul, but he didn't have it for the pseudo-penalty Lazio wanted.”