Daniele De Rossi explains how 10-man Roma used ‘intelligence and tactical knowledge’ to dump Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan out of Europa League
- 2-1 home win secured 3-1 aggregate victory
- Roma through to semi-finals
- Will play favourites Leverkusen
WHAT HAPPENED?
Following an impressive victory over fellow Serie A side Milan – who reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last season – the Giallorossi head coach has explained some of the tactics that helped secure the win. Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, he praised his team’s stoic defending and said “I am really proud to be the coach of a team like this.”
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
De Rossi took over from Jose Mourinho in January, midway through a disappointing Serie A season for Roma. His legendary status at the club has certainly helped his case, and in his first three months he’s lifted the mood around the place and now brought them within touching distance of European silverware.
WHAT DE ROSSI SAID
“It was not easy, as Milan are a very strong team who play good football,” De Rossi told the press after the game. “We saw yesterday even Real Madrid sat back and defended, we did too when it was the right moment to do so. To beat this Milan, we needed excellence. We needed great heart, as once we were down to 10 men, we had to play with intensity, but with intelligence and tactical knowledge. Just running around is not sufficient.”
DID YOU KNOW?
During his 18-year playing career at Roma, De Rossi cemented his status as a bonafide legend of the club, racking up a total of 63 goals and 60 assists in his 616 appearances for the Gialloross
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WHAT NEXT FOR ROMA IN THE EUROPA LEAGUE?
Things don’t get any easier for Roma; next up in the competition, they face a daunting two-legged Europa League semi-final against Xabi Alonso’s title-winning Bayer Leverkusen side. Getting past Leverkusen and into the final would be De Rossi’s biggest achievement as Roma coach so far.
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