Roma general manager Tiago Pinto reiterates Jose Mourinho’s role within the club and the call for referees to ‘protect’ Nicolò Zaniolo, ‘the greatest prospect in Italian football.’
The showdown with Inter kicks off at 17.00 GMT, you can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Napoli-Atalanta on the LIVEBLOG.
Serie A Liveblog: Milan-Salernitana, Roma-Inter, Napoli-Atalanta
This has been a tense few days for the Giallorossi and Mourinho refused to hold a press conference yesterday, having bitterly criticised the referees for the Tammy Abraham and Rick Karsdorp bans.
“It is a joy for us to have Mourinho,” Tiago Pinto told DAZN at the Stadio Olimpico.
“We know his career, but every day we realised more and more why we hired him. We have faith in this squad, but he wasn’t just signed to attract big names, it’s for what he does every day in training.
“We have three games in seven days and all came together after the Bologna defeat. With calm and focus, we have a great match coming up today.”
Mourinho also stated that Zaniolo ought to consider leaving Roma and Serie A, because he is not given enough ‘protection’ by referees in Italy.
“Nicolò is the greatest prospect in Italian football and needs to be protected. He cannot continue to be held back and kicked without the referees awarding free kicks or saying anything,” explained Tiago Pinto.
“This isn’t just about Roma, but Italian football. Roma and Italy do not want Zaniolo to leave.”