Nicolò Zaniolo powered Roma past Bodo/Glimt with a hat-trick, arguably putting together the best showing of his career. He is just the second player born after January 1999 to bag at least two braces in elimination matches in the European cups. The other is Erling Haaland, Sky informs.
The starlet talked to the press after the final whistle: “We played the game the coach asked us to do. We were perfect in both phases. We will now enjoy this victory and the semifinal. I am thrilled especially because we were successful. I helped the team advance, and we shared it with all these fans that are always here to support us.”
Zaniolo was coming off an up-and-down stretch and was not certain to start versus Bodo/Glimt: “I always try to keep the right balance. This was a fantastic night, but I have to maintain my composure, as it happened during some rough times. The supporters have always been behind me, even during my time on the mend. I maybe received more affection when I was down in the dumps than in other situations. I would have liked to play in the Derby, but I respect the choices of the coach. He was right because we won three-nil. I am always at disposal of the squad.”
José Mourinho weighed in on the starlet: “There is always too much chatter around Zaniolo, debating whether he will start or not, or if he is injured or fit. It would be better for us and Italian football if we left him alone. Some said he would not be in the XI today, and we concealed it well. We knew he would be important to attack the space. He will grab the headlines for positive reasons now.”