APPIANO GENTILE – Andrea Stramaccioni is heading back to Rome for a double-header against Zdenek Zeman’s Giallorossi. This is what he had to say in his press conference before setting off for the capital: “Overall I think we go into this match in good shape. We’re certainly missing a few players up front. Cassano will have a fitness test today and clearly we all hope to have him on the pitch, not only for his ability but also for the influence he has on the group. We do have to be very careful with him though. I’ll make the final decision after speaking to the medical staff because we certainly can’t afford to lose Antonio too.”
What kind of reception does Stramaccioni expect to receive in Rome? “I have lots of friends there, I’ve spent my whole like in the capital apart from the period I spent at Bologna as a player. I was born in Rome and that’s where all the important people in my life are. I have lots of friends at Roma as well. I’m not going to deny any of that but I’m only one of the people involved in this game, and when Roma v Inter kicks off it’s going to be a special and exciting match because both teams like to attack. I think Inter are over their worst moment, the league is very balanced and every game needs to be approached with great attention. But we’ve taken on clear identity in our last few matches and we’ll push on with that aware of the fact that tomorrow is an important match against a direct rival. A great game to be involved in.”
