Roma director of sport Walter Sabatini is “terrorised” by Napoli striker Goran Pandev ahead of tonight’s clash.
Roma director of sport Walter Sabatini is “terrorised” by Napoli striker Goran Pandev ahead of tonight’s clash.
Pandev starts in attack because Gonzalo Higuain is not 100 per cent fit. Click here for the line-ups.
“Pandev is a player who terrorises me! I used to work with him and he is not inferior to Higuain, so there’s no need to celebrate,” Sabatini told Sky Sport Italia.
The Giallorossi are top of the table with a 100 per cent record after seven rounds, scoring 20 goals and conceding just one.
“When you work, you always expect the best. We won our games by some margin and are very happy. Our sensations are very positive, though of course I’m scared the positive moment will end.
“I see the team training, know the Coach and the connection between them is clear, so I’m not worried about that.”
Roma also made a change, as Dodo steps into the starting XI for the suspended Federico Balzaretti.
“He is only 20 years old, came here after an injury and was very unlucky. I don’t know if he’ll put his all on to the field tonight or in future, but he is certainly a very talented player.”
President James Pallotta is in the stands, having flown in from Boston for the game.
“He has a way of approaching games that is different to mine. He likes to take the drama out of situations, especially one like this.
“I was confirming to him the probable signature of a player and he was curious to know who it was. It’s for next year, anyway.”