Chris Smalling assures Roma always knew ‘there was no way we could lose’ to Salernitana, even when trailing at half-time. ‘We never gave up.’
It was almost a nightmare week for the Giallorossi, already fresh from Thursday’s Conference League defeat in Norway to Bodo/Glimt.
Ivan Radovanovic’s ferocious touched-on free kick burst through the defensive wall and Salernitana were leading for over an hour at the Stadio Olimpico.
In the final 10 minutes, Carles Perez and Smalling turned it all around for a much-needed 2-1 win that keeps them within reach of fourth-place Juventus.
“I think today we knew even going in at half-time 1-0 down, we needed the points and there was no way we could lose this,” Smalling told DAZN.
“You saw the character, we never gave up and deserved the win.”
The centre-back has seemingly put his inconsistent form behind him and taken control of the Roma defence this term.
“Last year, soon after I arrived, I had an unfortunate injury I couldn’t get over. I came into this season fresh, I want to make sure I’m available for the manager throughout the game.”
Roma need a victory by two clear goals to knock Bodo/Glimt out of the Europa Conference League and reach the semi-finals on Thursday, having lost 2-1 in Norway.
“I think today was important to win for the league, but also confidence going into Thursday. We need that same character and performance we saw in the second half,” added Smalling.
“Our fans really drove us on too and we need a full house for the second leg.”
Roma strike back!⚡
Chris Smalling provides a crucial second goal to put his side in front👏 pic.twitter.com/UkNRvdNqqn
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 10, 2022