Spalletti: ‘Alisson yes, Strootman maybe’

By Football Italia staff

Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti confirms Alisson will face Austria Vienna, but isn’t sure about Kevin Strootman or Kostas Manolas.

The Giallorossi’s usual goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny claimed he didn’t face Astra Giurgiu because it was an easy game, but the tactician slapped him down.

“I pick the team, he didn’t play because I didn’t pick him,” Spalletti said in the pre-match Press conference.

“Anyone can say what he wants, as long as it’s inside the law. Tomorrow night he won’t be playing again, Alisson will play.

“In general, I make choices and take the work we do into account. Alisson has shown he can be used, he’ll get his chances based on my choices and my research. Tomorrow night Alisson will play.

“We need to talk about things which are less good, those who are missing. Mario Rui and Nura [Abdullahi] are continuing their rehabilitation, and we can’t say anything for sure on [Thomas] Vermaelen.

“Bruno Peres and [Diego] Perotti we know about, [Moustapha] Seck got an ankle knock yesterday and won’t be available.

“Strootman we’ll have to evaluate today, even in the best case scenario we probably won’t have him for the whole game. We have to take a good look at Manolas too, who has a little niggle.

“Radja [Nainggolan] is better, because he had a good match in Naples.

“For Vermaelen, this type of inflammation means you need a real test to see when he can come back, it’s clear that at the moment there’s always a reaction.

“We have to see if he can return and it’s manageable or if it will require a spell out.”

The Lupi have improved at the back in recent games, does Spalletti now have a solid defence?

“For a few games now we’ve had more balance and a better attitude of co-operation, which involves the whole team.

“We did well behind the ball, we all defended well together but the front-three pushed up and the team stayed solid, it’s essential to be a team.”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow