| |  |  |
| | Spalletti: We're back in business! |
Sunday 16 November, 2008 |
| Luciano Spalletti celebrated his 100th victory on the Roma bench and hopes this can kick-start their campaign.
“The key was we played with balance, strength, great character and above all an excellent goal! That's what made the difference in the end.”
Julio Baptista scored the winner, although the Giallorossi seemed to panic when Lazio had Cristian Ledesma sent off.
“I don't think we were afraid to win. Lazio reacted very well and started moving their forwards around very quickly, continually changing places, so it was tough to keep track of them.”
That was a further sign that many of Roma's problems this season are psychological, as they played better when both teams had XI men.
“I hope the worries are washed away and that the lads realise from this kind of performance that they are capable of so much more.
“Unfortunately when a concern burrows its way into your consciousness it feels like everything is going against you and becomes dangerous.
“We knew how much this derby meant to us and above all to our fans, so they transmitted their warmth and passion to us all week in training.”
Roma were without the suspended David Pizarro, so adopted the diamond midfield again with Mirko Vucinic and Francesco Totti upfront.
“I like the system that leaves a little more freedom to the forwards. The choice was dictated by the players who were available and their characteristics,” explained Spalletti.
“There are new faces like Baptista and [Jeremy] Menez, who you get to know in training and see what they can do.
“This is Baptista's natural position. He can play as a forward or between the lines on the right or left, but his best role is in the centre as a trequartista. He did well going forward and also marking Ledesma.”
The build-up to the derby saw Mauro Zarate's agent claim that Roma had turned down the Lazio star in the summer.
“From what I know Zarate was never offered to us. It is completely untrue.”
| |
|
|
The Beast enjoys new role
Julio Baptista dedicated his derby winner and revealed he has found his favourite position at the Olimpico. More
Rom 1-0 Laz: It's Roma's derby day!
Julio Baptista has raised Roma's season from the dead with a 1-0 derby victory that saw both teams end with 10 men. Reports
Wk12: Milan win, but trio tumble
Kaka's soft penalty brought down Chievo, but there were shocks elsewhere as Napoli, Udinese and Fiorentina lost. Reports
|
|
|
|
| |
