Winger Diego Perotti admitted the loss of Miralem Pjanic is a blow but insists his team have to aim for the Serie A title.
Pjanic ended his five-year stint with Roma – making the switch to Turin in a deal worth €32million.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international played an integral part in Roma’s third place finish as he helped his side go unbeaten from January 30 till the end of the season giving Roma the chance to secure a place in this seasons Champions League, but only if they can make it past the play-off round.
Filling the gap
Pjanic chipped in 10 goals and 12 assists in 33 games for Rudi Garcia’s men last year where his performances attractive Juventus to the midfielder’s services.
Roma already look to have to found a replacement for Pjanic with the signing of Brazilian attacking-midfielder, Gerson, from Fluminense. However, Perotti still feels that “Roma lost, very, very much with the sale of Pjanic”. The winger went onto praise Pjanic stating that “he had a lot of quality, he scored goals and made assists.”
Gerson is only 19-years-old and will have a lot to learn about the style of play in Serie A and in Pjanic, Perotti believes that Roma had that experienced figure in their side” “he knew the team well. I was very sorry about his departure.”
Aiming high
Despite a shaky start to the season, Juventus won the Serie A title without any challenge as they eventually finished nine points clear of second placed Napoli.
Their title winning season included 26 wins from their final 28 league games which brought the familiar trophy home to the Juventus Stadium after winning the Scudetto for the fifth time in as many years.
But despite Juve’s dominance, Perotti is sure Roma can challenge the Old Lady. Perotti said Roma are “in good condition” which they “proved that last season.”
Roma were handed a boost ahead of pre-season as Radja Nainggolan assured fans that he’ll stay at Roma for next season.
The Argentine claimed he is “looking forward to the start of the season.” Perotti and his team mates went on a 17 games unbeaten streak which gives the dressing room the belief that “this is going to be a good year.” as Roma were handed a boost ahead of pre-season as Radja Nainggolan assured fans that he’ll stay at Roma for next season.
Although, Perotti was under no illusions, as the coming Serie A seasons promises to be the most exciting one yet: ”it's going to be challenging. Things are different now, as we know, we’ll start by playing Champions League (play-off round).”
Roma will have to adapt quickly to their league season and try to manage a balance in both Champions League and Serie A games as Perotti insisted “a team like this (Roma) has to aim for the Scudetto and high place in the Champions League”.
Juventus could become a weaker outfit once Paul Pogba expected departure is confirmed. However, Perotti understands if Roma want to challenge for the title, they “must play the way” they did for the “last four-fix months (of last season), and we can go far.”