Roma manager Daniele De Rossi is optimistic about his side’s chances of making it out of a blockbuster Europa League quarter-final tie against Milan. After overseeing a tight 1-0 win in Saturday’s Derby della Capitale against Lazio, the ex-midfielder prepares for another high-profile challenge as Giallorossi take on Rossoneri on Thursday.
Speaking of an internal agreement between him and his backroom staff to forbid him from watching his upcoming rivals, De Rossi admitted there’s no need to scout Milan as ‘we’ve seen them 1,000 times.’
“I have my staff who forbid me from watching the teams we will face next time, there is this agreement, and, for now, it has worked,” the Roma boss told DAZN, as quoted by Radio Rossonera. “I know Milan. We’ve seen them 1000 times and we’ll be preparing it from this evening, but a little lighter, a little more relaxed.“
Roma have lost both Serie A matches against Milan this season. However, it was before De Rossi replaced Jose Mourinho in the dugout. His arrival has turned the club’s fortunes around, steering them back to the Champions League picture.
But despite going from strength to strength under De Rossi, Roma will enter this heavyweight tie as underdogs. In addition to the recent head-to-head record, Milan head into proceedings off the back of seven consecutive wins in all competitions.
Buoyed by the derby win and a superb 4-1 aggregate triumph against Brighton in the previous Europa League round, Roma will fancy their chances, nonetheless.
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |