D’Amico says Roma happy Kone stayed after late Chelsea bid | OneFootball

Tony D’Amico says Roma are pleased Manu Koné stayed put after Chelsea’s late move, as they host Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 UK time, 20.45 CEST.

Roma have begun with two 4-0 wins over Fiorentina and Lecce, and with the window shut they now look towards Thursday’s Champions League opener against Fenerbahce.

“Rodrigo Mora can take that role with time, we are convinced with work that he can then be able to play wide,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

Academy midfielder Emanuele Lulli starts again ahead of new signing Nahuel Molina. “We are very proud of Lulli, who is dealing with the situation with great calm, and that makes the difference to be able to do that in this atmosphere. We are very happy, he spent his entire career in our youth academy, the coach doesn’t look at age, he picks whoever is in the best condition to play.”

Chelsea made a big offer for France international Manu Koné on deadline day, but Roma turned it down. “Before the Fiorentina match, I said it would be difficult for us to deprive ourselves of important players so near to the end of the transfer session, and that proved to be the case,” noted D’Amico. “Koné is an important player, we’re happy that he remained with us, and are confident that he will give his contribution during the season.”

Paulo Dybala and Evan Ndicka have shaken off muscular issues to start this evening, Ndicka having pulled out in the warm-up against Lecce.

Source: Football Italia

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