Roma's Primavera side were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Hellas Verona at the Tre Fontane, a result that leaves a bitter taste given the team's positive run and the fact that they were held by a side much lower in the table. Head coach Mattia Scala spoke to the club's official channels after the match, admitting the result was not what the squad wanted.
"I'm sorry, because it's the fourth consecutive draw we've had at home in the league, and always with a similar script. We had already played in a certain way for a half or a half and a bit, but then conceded the draw. It's a question of mentality, which we absolutely have to overcome, otherwise we risk ruining the good path we are on."
Roma have drawn more often than any other high-ranking team, and Scala said this is no coincidence. "We have to improve the attacking side, we make too many wrong choices. We produce a lot, but we score too little for the volume of play we put in place, for the dominance we have over the opponent and for the value of the players we have. We just have to roll up our sleeves and give even more to improve our path."
Asked whether tiredness from the many recent fixtures had played a part, Scala rejected the idea. "Tiredness is a mental fact, certainly not physical. There are players who have played seven or eight matches and at the end were still pushing. It's not an aspect to consider. The match had been prepared well and we started well in terms of approach and quality. Unfortunately, it went this way."
Among the positives was the goal from Arduini, who is earning more and more space. "Last year he played little, this year we have thrown him in, he gives us dynamism and he is a golden boy, who always goes at full power. He had some small problems that he carried over in recent weeks, but today, beyond the goal, he gave us an extra push in midfield."
Another reason to smile came from the first call-up of Valerio Maccaroni to the first team. "This is the most important result. By the way, I have known Valerio since he was 13 years old. When he told me about the call-up he was almost crying with joy and it moved me. Today he played a wonderful match. It is not obvious to experience the emotions he felt yesterday and to come here today playing with the hunger and desire he showed. I congratulate him for both things."
Looking ahead, some players will join their national teams during the international break, and the squad has a few days of rest. Scala said the team will then work to restore energy, as another very long and demanding run of fixtures awaits until Christmas.
Story Coverage2 sources on this story
Roma's Primavera side drew 1-1 at home to Hellas Verona at the Tre Fontane before the international break. Roma News reports that Arduini opened the scoring in the 12th minute, bundling in a rebound after Arena's shot was saved, and that Garofalo levelled for Verona in the 48th minute from a Contarini cross. Forza Roma describes the result as a bitter one given that Verona sit much lower in the table, a point Roma News does not make.
Forza Roma quotes head coach Mattia Scala calling it the fourth consecutive home league draw with a similar pattern, and blaming a mentality problem and attacking waste. He rejected the idea that fixture fatigue was a factor. Roma News describes Roma as the better side in the first half, with Corredera coming close and Verona hitting the woodwork through Peci. It says the team lost rhythm after the changes, including the substitution of goalkeeper Marcaccini for Kilvinger in the 58th minute. Di Nunzio went close late on, but Raccanello saved well to preserve Verona's point.
Forza Roma highlights Arduini's goal and his energy in midfield, and says Scala praised Valerio Maccaroni for his first-team call-up and his performance. Roma News lists Maccaroni in the starting line-up. Roma News also notes that Verona are coached by Massimo Pavanel. Forza Roma reports that some players will join their national teams during the break, and that a demanding run of fixtures runs until Christmas.
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