Roma Director Ghisolfi Addresses Dovbyk’s Injury
In a press conference ahead of Roma’s crucial Europa League play-off against FC Porto, director Florent Ghisolfi provided an important injury update on Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk. Dovbyk, who has been a valuable asset for the Giallorossi, will miss tonight’s match due to an adductor issue sustained during training. Despite the setback, Ghisolfi emphasized that the injury is not serious and is optimistic about the player’s recovery. "I don’t know exactly how long he’ll be out, but it doesn’t seem to be serious. Fortunately, we have Shomurodov, who works hard for the team and is ready to give his all," Ghisolfi told Sky Sport Italia. This news comes as a relief to Roma supporters, who were concerned about the team’s attacking options after the first leg’s controversial result.
Controversial First Leg and the Impact of Officiating
The first leg of the play-off in Porto ended in a 1-1 draw, but the match was marred by contentious refereeing decisions. Roma head coach Claudio Ranieri was particularly incensed with the officiating, especially the yellow cards handed out by referee Tobias Stieler, including two to midfielder Bryan Cristante, which resulted in his suspension for tonight’s match. Alexis Saelemaekers is also suspended, adding to Roma’s lineup challenges. However, Ghisolfi expressed confidence in the appointment of French referee Francois Letexier for the return leg. "I know this referee well, he is the best official in France and reliable, despite being quite young. The first leg is in the past, we are more reassured with this referee," Ghisolfi stated. The hope is that a fair and impartial officiating performance will help Roma achieve a just result at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Significance of the Match and Italian Football’s Recent Struggles
The stakes are high for Roma, as the play-offs have been particularly challenging for Italian teams this season. Juventus, Milan, and Atalanta all suffered disappointing exits from the Champions League, a series of results that have heightened the pressure on Roma to perform well. Ghisolfi acknowledged the weight of these expectations, stating, "We must be intelligent. We realise the importance of the fixture and the difficulties, having seen Juventus, Atalanta and Milan, so as Mancini said we need to find the right level of tension, concentration and intensity." The team is acutely aware of the importance of representing Italian football on the European stage, and the collective goal is to navigate these difficulties with a blend of experience and tactical acumen.
Leveraging the Home Crowd for Support
One of the key advantages Roma will have tonight is the unwavering support of their home fans at the Stadio Olimpico. The atmosphere in the stadium is expected to be electric, and Ghisolfi believes this can play a significant role in the team’s performance. "We must use the connection with the crowd at the Stadio Olimpico to keep that intensity up throughout the evening," he emphasized. The connection between the players and the fans is crucial, as the passionate Roman supporters have historically been a formidable ally in critical matches. The team will aim to harness this energy to push for a victory that would not only secure their place in the Europa League but also boost their morale.
Ryan Friedkin’s Presence and the Everton Takeover
Roma patron Ryan Friedkin will be in attendance at the Stadio Olimpico this evening, adding another layer of significance to the match. Friedkin’s presence is a testament to the club’s commitment and the expectations placed on the team. However, it’s worth noting that the Friedkin family has been somewhat distracted recently by their simultaneous takeover of Premier League side Everton. Despite this, the focus remains on Roma, and the club’s hierarchy is confident in the team’s ability to deliver a positive result. Friedkin’s support both on and off the field will be crucial, as the club looks to solidify its position in European competition.
Final Preparations and Team Dynamics
With the match set to kick off at 17:45 GMT, the final preparations are underway. Despite the absence of key players like Dovbyk and Cristante, the team’s resolve and unity are evident. Mats Hummels, another pivotal player, is once again on the bench for the fifth time in the last six competitive games, a decision that Ranieri will no doubt be explaining to the fans and media. The focus now is on maintaining the intensity and concentration that Ghisolfi emphasized. The match is a test of Roma’s mettle and their ability to adapt under pressure, and the hope is that the team will rise to the occasion and secure a place in the Europa League for the coming season.
