Roma toughness impresses Andreazzoli

Roma coach Aurelio Andreazzoli has praised his side’s ability to fight through adversity following Sunday’s 3-1 win over Genoa.

Roma coach Aurelio Andreazzoli has praised his side’s ability to fight through adversity following Sunday’s 3-1 win over Genoa.

Francesco Totti, Alessio Romagnoli and Simone Perrota were all on target as Roma recorded their third successive Serie A win since the sacking of former coach Zdenek Zeman.

The result probably flattered Roma, however, as Genoa dominated long spells of possession during the encounter and the result was only consolidated by Simone Perrotta’s 89th-minute goal for the capital side.

However Andreazzoli was pleased his side held firm when under pressure and ground out the win in a display that was a far cry from the heavy losses the club suffered during Zeman’s last few matches in charge.

“Tonight we had the opportunity to prove that we know how to suffer under pressure and that our goalkeeper has some very useful talents,” Andreazzoli told Sky Italia.

“We held out well against a Genoa side that had got itself back on track.

“Roma did well to suffer when necessary, then in the second half we completely changed our tactics.

“The lads adapted and at that moment the real Roma emerged.

“All it needed was that everyone bring out that tiny bit more after the first half, other than Maarten Stekelenburg and Romagnoli (who had good overall games).”

The Giallorossi are now in seventh place in Serie A and four points off Europa League qualification but Roma skipper Francesco Totti believes Champions League qualification is still possible.

Along with scoring one goal himself, the 36-year-old laid off assists for the two other two goals.

And Totti is hopeful the result can spark a late push for a top-three finish.

“I believe in third place. What I mean is Champions League qualification,” he told Sky Italia.

By opening the scoring, Totti equalled Gunnar Nordahl’s record of 225 goals, making him the second most prolific goalscorer in Serie A history.

Following the goalscoring feat, the legendary forward was surprised by his children who presented him with a t-shirt saying: ‘You are the best Daddy’.

“It was emotional and very unexpected because I didn’t even know they were in the stadium because they’ve been sick all week,” he added. “It was a very beautiful thing for me and it is an unforgettable moment.”

However, Totti is under no illusions of the challenge facing him in order to beat Silvio Piola’s haul of 274 Serie A goals.

He added: “I will quit if I do it, but do not bet on me. I think it’s probably easier (for the team) to get third place.”

Roma are seventh and five points adrift of a Champions League spot, but resume their push for Europe’s premier competition with a trip to Udinese next Saturday.