Roma coach Claudio Ranieri admitted that the late chance by Empoli made him nervous, emphasizing his age and aversion to such stress. He believes the team’s turning point this season was their match against Tottenham.
Roma secured a victory against Empoli with a very early goal from Matias Soulé, setting a club record for the fastest Serie A goal at just 22 seconds.
Despite the early lead, the game remained tense as Empoli created opportunities, and Roma missed chances to extend their lead through players like Manu Kone, Eldor Shomurodov, and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Empoli nearly equalized in the final moments with a close header, highlighting the narrow margin of Roma’s win.
Ranieri jokingly said he’s too old to handle such dramatic finishes, referring to the tense ending of the match.
He made significant changes to the starting lineup after their Europa League victory against Athletic Club, resting key players.
Ranieri explained the need to secure the win earlier, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing league and European competitions. He chose energetic players ready to perform and is now focusing on preparing for the next game against Athletic Club.
Ranieri remembers where Roma season turned a corner
Regarding Shomurodov’s missed opportunity after his winning goal against Athletic Club, Ranieri defended him, stating he’s not a natural goal scorer but contributes significantly to the team’s success by being in crucial positions.
Ranieri praised the team’s overall performance, valuing effectiveness over mere aesthetics, emphasizing that winning is the primary measure of good play.
Roma’s recent form has been impressive, with nine wins in their last twelve games, marking a significant turnaround under Ranieri’s management.
Ranieri believes there’s still room for improvement, focusing on refining details despite the team’s improved understanding of fundamental tactics.
He expressed satisfaction with Mats Hummels’ performance after his return to the starting lineup.
Ranieri reiterated that the Tottenham draw was pivotal, restoring the team’s confidence and recognizing their inherent quality.
He admitted exceeding his initial expectations for Roma’s performance, emphasizing his and the players’ commitment to fighting spirit and determination in the final stretch of the season, keen to see their full potential.