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By Damian Spellman, PA Sport
Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has warned his side they will have to outbattle Middlesbrough on a quagmire of a pitch if they are to head home with their UEFA Cup fate in their own hands.
The Italians arrived on Teesside tonight to torrential rain which has left an already suspect Riverside Stadium pitch in even worse condition.
Spalletti, whose side finally surrendered their winning Serie A run at the 12th attempt on Sunday, admitted the playing surface would suit the home side better than his, but backed his players to make their mark.
“Middlesbrough have strong strikers and they play a different football from ours,” he said.
“Steve McClaren has changed the approach to the games, especially at home – but the concern would be the pitch.
“I was expecting a better pitch and the fact that we are playing in these conditions means that a team that can play a physical game and has stronger players is better suited than a team that prefers to play with a more skilful approach.
“I don’t think it will be a big advantage for Middlesbrough, but I think they will be more used to playing on this kind of pitch.”
“Of course, on Monday morning the mood had changed, especially with the way the result came against Inter,” he said. “But I said to my players it would have happened sooner or later.
“After we started training, I saw the enthusiasm from my players, so I am confident about tomorrow night.”
Midfielder Damiano Tomassi admitted the result had come as a blow, but urged his team-mates to start again.
“We were disappointed we lost in the last minute of the game, but we must be happy with what we have achieved,” he said.
“Now we must start again and go on another run until the end of the season.”
Roma have faced English opposition 15 times in this country in European competition and won only four games.
[此贴子已经被作者于2006-3-9 21:08:56编辑过]
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发表于 2006-3-10 04:05:42
发表于 2006-3-10 04:53:33
