De Rossi presses his point to Barca
ROMA captain Daniele De Rossi heaped praise on coach Eusebio Di Francesco for masterminding the incredible 3-0 win over Barcelona, which took the Italians into the semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.
Di Francesco abandoned the 4-5-1 formation he used in his side’s 4-1 first-leg defeat at the Nou Camp, switching to a 3-5-2 and Roma learnt their lines perfectly, overwhelming the La Liga leaders with relentless high pressing and long balls behind their defence.
“We had a long way to go after the first leg but all credit to the coach because he devised this formation two days ago, he drilled it into our heads and it worked wonders,” said De Rossi after Roma went through on away goals.
The midfielder hammered in the second goal of the night from the penalty spot after Edin Dzeko had given Roma the perfect start by scoring after six minutes at an electric Stadio Olimpico.
Greek defender Kostas Manolas headed the third from a corner with eight minutes left, joining De Rossi in atoning for an own-goal in the first leg.
“I have never seen Barcelona struggle so much – we pressed them from the first minute,” said former Manchester City striker Dzeko.
“We all believed, even if everyone else gave us a five per cent chance. We proved we can play against anyone, as Barcelona are such a strong side. We could have scored more.”
Di Francesco said he changed the formation to make his side more dangerous down the flanks, and praised his players for their near-perfect display.
“What really changed was the philosophy of the side,” he said. “I take the blame for defeats and some ungrateful words on social media, so I may as well take the credit for a win.” –