“We care about the Italian Cup.” Ranieri sets the goal and after the performance in Como, he doesn’t want any surprises: “We have to be ready and tenacious, they will want to make a good impression.” This evening (9pm) Roma will make their debut against Sampdoria to reach the round of 16 against Milan and try to chase the most achievable goal of the season. The last semi-final dates back to 2017, lost against Lazio. Even then the journey had begun against Sampdoria, and just like seven years ago, the Giallorossi could meet the Biancocelesti in the semi-finals.
There’s time to think about the derby, first we need to beat Semplici’s men with half the team unavailable. Koné, Cristante and Hummels out, Mancini disqualified. Ranieri intends to propose Dovbyk again from the 1st minute, with Saelemaekers and Baldanzi, favorites over Pellegrini, behind the Ukrainian. In defense there is still room for Celik together with Ndicka and Hermoso. Paredes has recovered from the flu and will start in midfield together with Pisilli. Saud confirmed on the right and Angelino on the left on the flanks.
Bench for Dybala. Ranieri focused precisely on the Argentine, after the latest market rumors that he would be close to Galatasaray as early as January: «Everyone plays their own game. If the boy has other priorities, he doesn’t want to stay and there is a possibility…”.
A thought left suspended, only to then reiterate amazement at Joya’s alleged inconvenience in remaining in the capital: “This is news to me, but we know that the prosecutors are working for this.” On Monday evening Carlo Novel, the Argentine’s agent, was in Istanbul to listen to Galatasaray’s offer of 10 million euros a year to the player.
Still no contact between the two clubs, with the Turks wanting to close the deal without paying the fee. While waiting for new developments, the club’s vice-president Metin Ozturk confirms the pressure: “I’m not supervising this negotiation, but I know there are contacts.”
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