Luciano Spalletti was impressed by Roma’s 3-0 victory over Bologna, despite dealing with an injury crisis and European fatigue.
Mohamed Salah celebrated his first Serie A hat-trick, but there had been some early scares at the back.
“It went better in the second half and I had expected us to be less sparkling than usual, as we returned late on Thursday night after the Europa League game in Vienna,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
Luciano Spalletti was impressed by Roma’s 3-0 victory over Bologna, despite dealing with an injury crisis and European fatigue.
Mohamed Salah celebrated his first Serie A hat-trick, but there had been some early scares at the back.
“It went better in the second half and I had expected us to be less sparkling than usual, as we returned late on Thursday night after the Europa League game in Vienna,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
“We were quite bad at the start, but then got into gear. There are a lot of injuries, but we have many talented players and they stepped up when needed.
“For example, Radja Nainggolan at one point was playing right-back with impressive power and precision. Having said that, when we reach the by-line eight times, we need to score more goals.”
Roma remain solidly in second place, so are they the main Scudetto antagonists to Juventus?
“I just know that since the last break for international duty we’ve broken away from the rest, despite having to adapt due to injuries. If you have to play everyone in the wrong positions, then a few defects are going to emerge, but we’ve done well.
“In the second half I saw a great team that at times played beautiful football. Leandro Paredes had a knee problem and in trying to take weight off it risked hurting his ankle. Federico Fazio was not in great shape either, Bruno Peres had to do double work, so Bologna had the chances to score and we fell asleep slightly.”
There are more problems coming up for the Giallorossi, because Salah will go to the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt in January. How do you replace someone like him?
“Oh that’s easy, you just buy someone exactly the same!” joked Spalletti.
“I have Stephan El Shaarawy and Juan Iturbe who can do well with more confidence. Poor thing, I haven’t allowed Iturbe much playing time, but he doesn’t have match fitness right now.
“He has this deadly changes of pace, but needs to improve in his passing with teammates. He’s a good player.”