Our next opponents: Roma with energy and intensity for second leg

The Italian side are still in the thick of a race to qualify for the UEFA Champions League in Serie A. They managed a 1-1 draw against third-placed Juventus on Sunday, with De Rossi making five changes to his team from the 2-0 loss to Leverkusen the previous Thursday. The entire defence was switched, with Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente, Evan Ndicka and Angelino replacing Gianluca Mancini, Chris Smalling, Leonardo Spinazzola and Rick Karsdorp, who dropped to the bench and didn’t play. Tommaso Baldanzi also got the nod over Stephan El Shaarawy up front.

Lukaku with goal

RB Leipzig loanee Angelino was lively down the left side in the first half, getting up and down and crossing the ball. There were numerous chances for both sides at the Stadio Olimpico before Romelu Lukaku put the Giallorossi ahead inside 15 minutes. Juventus hit back on the half-hour mark through Gleison Bremer. Paulo Dybala had two good opportunities from free-kicks before the break but failed to convert either.

The visitors made the better start in the second half but were either denied by the post or Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar. The Romans pushed for a winner late on, but Lorenzo Pellegrini, Kristensen and Tammy Abraham all squandered chances as it remained 1-1 and a point apiece.

sixth in Serie A

It was a result that De Rossi wasn’t all that pleased about “because a draw doesn’t help us at the moment”. But he didn’t have any issue with how his side are performing: “I’m proud of the way the boys are playing, how committed they are, how they help each other. They always have the desire to achieve something.”

However, the draw saw Atalanta leapfrog Roma into fifth place after they won 2-1 at bottom side Salernitana. The Giallorossi are only behind on goal difference but have played one game more than their rivals. It means their coming encounter on Sunday could be crucial in the race for that fifth Champions League spot as De Rossi’s men head to Bergamo following their trip to Leverkusen.

De Rossi: “Can’t be rushed”

Focus now is fully on the second leg at the BayArena, though. Roma believe they still have a chance despite their 2-0 loss at home. “Before we conceded the first goal, we were aggressive, kept the ball well and had good chances,” said the Italian coach, who is again looking to push his team in Leverkusen. “We can’t be rushed. We’re not five goals down, but two. We need to be energetic, intense but also intelligent, because we know the game is long.” De Rossi hopes to have a fit Dybala for the match after the Argentina international had to go off at half-time against Juventus with pain in his adductor.