Roma-Atletico Madrid, Di Francesco: “It’s going to be a battle”

The Italian coach held a press conference ahead of the Champions League match

ROMA ATLETICO MADRID CHAMPIONS PRESS CONFERENCE DI FRANCESCO / This is going to be a Champions League debut for Eusebio Di Francesco. The Italian coach held a press conference ahead of the match between Roma and Atletico Madrid. Calcomercato.it followed the press conference live:

“I want to see my team with the right determination because the players in front of us will have this approach. We need to start on the right path because this first match could determinate our qualification to the next stage. 

Atletico Madrid is a very cynical team. Diego Simeone is a great coach. If we want to compete against them we need to play our game developing our tactical strategies. 

Strootman is a leader on the field and he will be a point of reference for his teammates. We have several players like him on the roster. I hope they will be able to drive us thanks to their experience. 

Although we didn't play against Sampdoria, this is a relative advantage for us. Atletico Madrid played against Valencia but several top players were sitting on the bench. 

I always have doubts about the starting 11. It's normal that I have to analyze different things. Tomorrow, I'll decide between Bruno Peres and Florenzi. Schick should be available for the next Serie A match. Hector Moreno's physical condition is good. He is consistently training with the group. Perotti is in great shape. he has changed his way to play. Now he stays very close to the striker.

I want a competitive team, a group of players able to be compact in a short portion of the field. We need to bring the episodes on our side if we want to win the match.”