AS Roma manager Daniele De Rossi is approaching the upcoming Europa League semi-final clash against Bayer Leverkusen with a mix of cautious optimism and unwavering belief. Leverkusen arrives in Italy boasting an undefeated record in the competition, but De Rossi insists his Roma side has the strategy and heart to break that streak.
Roma's journey to the last four hasn't been without its challenges. A grueling schedule in Serie A, coupled with demanding fixtures in the Europa League, has tested the team's stamina. However, De Rossi, who took the reins in January after Jose Mourinho's departure, has instilled a renewed sense of purpose and tactical nous in the squad. A dramatic late equalizer against Napoli last weekend epitomizes the team's fighting spirit, a quality De Rossi believes will be crucial against Leverkusen.
"They're unbeaten, but they're not unbeatable," declared De Rossi in a recent interview with DAZN. He acknowledges Leverkusen's impressive run but emphasizes that every team has vulnerabilities. "[Leverkusen] have something special," he continued, "their ability to find late goals is a testament to that. We have to be perfect on the night, but I believe in this group."
De Rossi's belief is bolstered by the return of key players from injury. Romelu Lukaku's return alongside Paulo Dybala provides a potent attacking threat, while Chris Smalling's return solidifies the backline. The midfield lynchpin, Leandro Paredes, is also back from suspension, adding much-needed stability in the center of the park.
While Roma grapples with a congested fixture list, Leverkusen has the luxury of focusing solely on the Europa League. This freshness could be an advantage, but De Rossi downplays its significance. "We may be a bit tired," he admitted, "but the desire to achieve something special this season is burning brightly within the squad. We want to return to the Champions League, and winning the Europa League is a clear path to that."
De Rossi's tactical approach will be key in disrupting Leverkusen's rhythm. The German side thrives on a possession-based game with quick attacking transitions. De Rossi is likely to employ a more disciplined approach, focusing on cutting off Leverkusen's supply lines and exploiting their vulnerabilities on the counter-attack. Roma's pacey wingers, particularly Lorenzo Pellegrini, could be instrumental in catching Leverkusen's defense off guard.
The battle between the two managers will be another intriguing subplot. De Rossi, a Roma legend and former midfield maestro, is up against Gerardo Seoane, a rising star in the coaching world known for his attacking philosophy. De Rossi's experience and tactical nous will be pitted against Seoane's innovative approach, making for a fascinating tactical chess match.
This semi-final clash promises to be an enthralling encounter. An undefeated Leverkusen side brimming with confidence faces a determined Roma team hungry for success. De Rossi's tactical acumen and the return of key players have instilled a sense of optimism in the Italian capital. While Leverkusen remains the favorite on paper, Roma is determined to prove that even the most formidable streaks can be broken. The Stadio Olimpico will be a cauldron of noise as the Giallorossi faithful roar their team on, hoping to witness De Rossi's masterplan come to fruition and propel Roma a step closer to European glory.
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