Roma director Tiago Pinto calls Andrea Belotti a ‘warrior’ and assures Paulo Dybala ‘will give his contribution’ in the Europa League semi-final against Bayer Leverkusen.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
The Giallorossi have slipped down the Serie A standings in recent weeks, as they are struggling to get through an injury crisis, so winning the Europa League may well be their best chance of getting into the Champions League for next season.
“When he gets the ball the way he did in Bergamo, I am just happy he is here. Obviously, he is a very important player for us, but these knockout ties are played over at least 180 minutes and we are sure he will give his contribution, having already helped to get us here,” Tiago Pinto told Sky Sport Italia.
Instead, Tammy Abraham is partnered by Belotti, who plays on through pain-killing injections after a cracked rib and broken bone in his hand.
“We cannot say anything about Belotti, he is a warrior. He has pain everywhere, but he pushes on and keeps playing. This isn’t the first time we have played with two strikers, as we did it against Real Betis too, the coach thought it was the best way to approach the game.”
Jose Mourinho has repeatedly criticised the format of the Europa League, because teams who finish third in their Champions League groups drop down into this tournament.
He certainly has a point, because Roma are the only semi-finalist who didn’t start the season in the Champions League.
With regards to Mourinho and those reports that Paris Saint-Germain are trying to poach him, Tiago Pinto was asked about his rapport with the coach.
“You have asked me the same question before the play-off, before the Round of 16, before the quarter-final and now I hope you get to ask me the same question before the Final. Everything is fine between us.”