The usual Eurospin team breaks through Cluj and enters the last 16 of the Europa League, this time well in advance. Veretout in the second half to unlock the result, first with a free kick deflected into a goal by a Romanian player and then transforming a penalty that closes the match.
At the first half a not extraordinary but very orderly Roma had controlled the opponent without overdoing it. Cluj is the great disappointment of the group, Petrescu’s team is in a crisis of play and results, no longer that difficult team that gave anyone a hard time until last year. Roma have never risked anything, as in the first leg, they only expected the right moment to sink the opposition.
In the end another kind of training session, an opportunity to give a chance to some young players and to give some minutes of playing for those who, like Dzeko, had been missing for a while. In the end an easy victory that qualifies the team two rounds to spare. Now we need to catch our breath to get back important players.
The trip to Naples is almost a watershed, very important to understand how far this Roma team can go. But it arrives at the most dramatic and emotional moment for the city of Naples and for all world football. At the former San Paolo stadium, now the new Maradona stadium, there will first be a lot of emotion. For all that Diego Armando has represented, on and off the pitch. A football genius, controversial and unattainable figure. A bit like Muhammad Ali. Especially for those like myself who were lucky enough to meet him, see him play live and score a goal. However the game goes on Sunday this time only football will win. Really. Thanks Diego.