'Atalanta are good' but we 'still have hope' of catching up - Roma Boss Fonseca

Roma Portuguese pro Manager Paulo Fonseca. Photo: Getty

Paulo Fonseca assures Roma ‘still have hope’ of catching Atalanta in fourth place and there’s more to Milan than on-form Ante Rebic.


“The team had a good response after the lockdown and I am very optimistic for this season,” said the coach in his press conference.

Roma will slug it out with AC Milan in an Italian Serie A match on Sunday 28 June, 16:15.

“Justin Kluivert didn’t play in the last game due to a slight muscular issue, but he is ready now and we’ll see whether he starts or not. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Davide Zappacosta are also ready to start.

“I’d prefer to play later than this in the heat, but there are no excuses and we are both in the same situation. I’ve never seen my players worried about the temperature.

“Atalanta are very strong and in good shape. Having said that, I still have hope. We must focus on winning our games and only then see what the others are doing.

“We’ve created a lot of chances and that’s positive, certainly more than when the team doesn’t create the opportunities. I am optimistic, we scored twice and beat Sampdoria 2-1 in our first game back.”