A week ago, in the first leg, the Giallorossi emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, but now they face a sterner test: a mere 90 minutes stand between them and a ticket to progress, keeping alive their hopes for another European final. That climactic encounter is set for May 21 at San Mamés, that very cathedral in Bilbao, where Dybala and his teammates will gallivant onto the hallowed turf, as the locals strive to overturn their deficit from the dying moments at the Olimpico.
Listening to Ranieri and Dybala, their mission is clear: “let’s start from 0-0” as if that lead never existed. As Ranieri warns, “If we think we can play for a draw, we risk defeat. We must enter the field with courage and pursue our game.” Differentiating this contest from the first leg, expect Ranieri to solidify his midfield by swapping a trequartista for Cristante, pairing him with Paredes and Koné. Hummels is likely to return in defense, while Shomurodov edges ahead of Dovbyk up front. Dybala, described by Ranieri as “a total leader,” will support the attack, embodying the spirit of Roma.
When asked if he hopes to hit 200 career goals tomorrow, the ‘Joya’ said, “That would be wonderful, but the key is to progress in the competition. Being less selfish is crucial for Roma’s success.” Dybala acknowledges Ranieri’s influence in his leadership evolution, stating, “His experience has instilled confidence in me to support my teammates, especially the younger ones.”
The goal? To erase the bitterness of the Budapest final last season. “It left a sour taste,” the Argentine confesses. While the final may still be a distant aim, they’re focused on returning to San Mamés. Tomorrow’s match marks a pivotal point in the season, yet Ranieri remains unfazed: “I don’t dwell on it. I remind the lads to forget the previous match, regardless of the outcome. The past is water under the bridge.”
In essence, the mantra is: no complacency or standing still in nostalgia. Ranieri, no stranger to San Mamés after a 3-0 triumph as Valencia’s coach back in February 1996, concludes, “I take pride in what I’ve done. Once I retire, I’ll look back and see both my achievements and mistakes, though those don’t weigh heavily on me, nor do I bask in my past successes.” There’s a collective hope in Trigoria that when Ranieri reflects on his career, tomorrow’s match won’t feature among his missteps.
