Fonseca: 'Zaniolo can be the best'

By Football Italia staff

Roma coach Paulo Fonseca expects a “strong and aggressive” Torino tomorrow, but trusts Nicolò Zaniolo “can become the best player in Italy.”

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“The squad worked well this week, is motivated and ready to pick up where we left off in 2019,” said the coach in his press conference.

“It’s always difficult to play against Torino, as in their last three away games they’ve won two and drawn the other. We expect them to be strong and aggressive.

“Walter Mazzarri’s side like to break up the play and counter, so it’s important for us to win the ball back straight away and react quickly.”

The January transfer window is open and director of sport Gianluca Petrachi assured Nikola Kalinic won’t be leaving, while Bruno Peres has returned from a loan spell.

“Kalinic is working and improving every week, so he should get more playing time in this second half of the season,” continued Fonseca.

“It’s important for us that Kalinic remains. Peres is a Roma player and is now available again, we’ll see if he can help the team, but he’s not in good shape physically yet.”

Cengiz Under has been linked with a move to Manchester United, having dropped down the pecking order at Roma.

“I am not thinking of selling any of our players and that includes Under. We can’t just have 11 players in the team and everyone can improve.

“For example, Zaniolo didn’t used to think well tactically, but now he can find the right spaces at the right time, although he still needs to make better decisions. He has enormous talent and in my view can become the best player in Italy.

“Justin Kluivert has started training with us, but with the medical staff we decided there’s no point risking him right now, so we hope he can be ready after the Juventus game. Javier Pastore had a bruise to the bone, so that takes longer to recover.”

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