Florenzi previews Milan-Roma and discusses Saelemaekers’ performances: “Doesn’t surprise me”

Former AC Milan defender Alessandro Florenzi has made a few comments ahead of the game against Roma this weekend. 

This weekend’s game is a big one. For Milan, it is a chance to overturn their recent results – a statement hard to justify, considering they sit fouth. On the other hand, Roma will look to go top with three points.

Both coaches are having to contend with injuries, but it is difficult to suggest that the Rossoneri are not struggling, with Massimiliano Allegri’s short squad being shown, currently. However, returns are on the horizon.

Milan, Roma and Saelemaekers

Looking ahead to the game, few will have beetter knowledge of the teams than Alessandro Florenzi, who recently retired. The Italian played more than 200 times for the Giallorossi, whilst also spending four years with the Rossoneri.

Today, he spoke to Corriere dello Sport at the Giovani e Memoria event, and MilanNews have relayed his comments.

“It’s been a truly exciting start to the season for both teams. Perhaps Roma is doing a little more than expected: there were fewer of them and they’ve had a great start to the season. It’ll be a good match, we’ll have fun.

“I’ve certainly been surprised by Roma’s start. It’s not easy to assimilate what a coach like Gasperini demands, both physically and tactically. Because it requires a lot of commitment, lots of one-on-ones, a significant athletic effort, and it’s certainly not easy to absorb these concepts after just one summer preparation.

“When you have strong players in attack, you can do well. And Roma, in my opinion, have many strong players in the attack. Forwards need confidence: when they have it, everything is always different. And when Dybala is there, it’s a whole different story. Centre-forward, second-forward, winger: wherever you put him, he’s comfortable, and he’s really strong.

Saelemakers…

“I know Alex well and he doesn’t surprise me . Wesley, on the other hand, is settling in very well in Rome and is playing both on the right and left, and that’s never easy. If he were to play on the left, it would certainly be a great challenge to see them face off on the same flank.”