Although it was Tammy Abraham who stole the headlines for the game’s only goal against Udinese just before half-time, it was a certain 19-year-old full back who provided the assist after toiling on the touchline with a wonderful dribble.
Riccardo Calafiori played a pivotal role in the match and credited coach Jose Mourinho for instilling confidence in him in his pre-match talk.
Speaking to DAZN post match, Calafiori noted: “The manager’s statements at the press conference yesterday definitely gave me the right sense of awareness.”
In Mourinho’s pre-match press conference before the Udinese game, the Portuguese referred to Calafiori’s performance against Hellas Verona, a match which Roma narrowly lost.
“Against Verona he was a bit timid, but overall it was a balanced performance I thought. When we talk about struggling a bit defensively, I would also say that I always expect my full-backs to have a bit more confidence to go out and play.”
However, the tactician managed to boost Calafiori’s confidence with his wise words just after.
“We are moving in that direction. He’s a 19-year-old, with talent, but without much experience. He naturally will need time to become a fully-formed player,” explained Mourinho.
The versatile full-back, who is also adept at filling in the centre-back position, is a product of Roma’s youth academy system.