Roma cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory against Spezia at the Stadio Olimpico, in a bid to keep their hopes for a European spot alive as the 2021/22 season enters its midpoint.
Spezia were on the receiving end of two headed goals from Chris Smalling and Roger Ibanez – goals from corner kicks on either side of half-time. Although the Aquilotti looked energized in the second half, they could not muster in a consolation goal and remain just one spot above the relegation zone.
Thiago Motta was left disappointed after the defeat and took to Sky Italia (via Football-Italia) to vent his frustrations.
“We conceded two avoidable goals from corner kicks. They took advantage of their strength by managing the match well, we were unable to create the right opportunities to reopen the match,” he explained.
The ex-Inter midfielder also shared words of praise and respect for his former boss Jose Mourinho, with whom he won an unprecedented treble in Nerazzurri colours in 2009/10.
Motta said: “I have enormous respect for him, and I think it’s mutual. He’s a real person and the hug (before the match) was something natural, we were rivals only for 90 minutes. Before and after, we will always be friends.”
Spezia are in 17th position, with just 12 points from a possible 51. The Giallorossi on the other hand, sit in 6th place and are in search for a place in the top four, but face stiff competition from Juventus, Fiorentina, Empoli and Lazio.