Massara: ‘Roma know Como result will weigh heavily’ on Champions League battle
Roma director Ricky Massara admits today’s battle with Como ‘will weigh heavily’ on the race for a Champions League spot, but ‘the season is long regardless.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.
The pressure is on the Giallorossi in this showdown for fourth place, especially after Juventus won 2-1 away to Udinese last night, temporarily leapfrogging both teams onto 53 points.
On top of that, they also have to prepare for Thursday’s Europa League Round of 16 tie with Bologna, having drawn the first leg 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
Roma have sights set on top four
“Undoubtedly, it is a very important game for the way the table looks right now, so it’s obvious that the points here will weigh heavily on the final standings,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.
“At the same time, there are still another nine rounds after this, and the season is long regardless.”
The Giallorossi have been trying for several years to get into the Champions League and last term missed out on the final day, so how much would achieving that aim transform their transfer plans?
“The financial impact of Champions League qualification is important for all clubs, and Roma are no exception. Having said that, Roma will always commit to a transfer strategy that fits with its ambitions, which it can do thanks to strong club owners,” insisted the director.
Evan Ndicka is suspended, with Matias Soulé, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson injured, so Mario Hermoso gets his first start since February 2.
Manu Koné is also back after missing the Europa League match with a muscular twinge and Stephan El Shaarawy hadn’t started since January 13.
“Donyell Malen combines well with various different players, which helps with the squad rotation around him. We do have a lot of injuries concentrated in the attack, but the return of El Shaarawy is very important, and we expect him to give his contribution today.”