Post-match reaction after the draw with Roma | OneFootball

After the 1-1 draw, Vincenzo Italiano said, “Qualification is still wide open, and that’s what we wanted. My current mindset is divided. I’m pleased, because we got to see the Bologna we all know. And I’m angry, because we haven’t played this way in recent months. Their stadium always has a hostile atmosphere. We’ll go there and play with our quality, in the hopes that we play the same way that we did tonight. The VAR check on the equaliser? Remo Freuler was in front of him. You can see Malen make contact; the referee interpreted it the way that he did.”

Santiago Castro: “We played really well, but we couldn’t come away with a lead to defend in the second leg. Going through? It’s still all to play for. It will be decided in Rome. They’re a physical side; we fought hard and did well. Now, we know how we need to go into it at their place next Thursday, but first we play against Sassuolo.”

Here’s what Tommaso Pobega had to say: “We approached the game well, like we’d prepared. We brought our strengths and played with a lot of intensity. We just weren’t clinical enough at times. We created chances that we failed to convert. If we’d been more precise, we’d have made it 2-0, and it would have been a different game altogether.  But we’ll take the positives and go to Rome to play our best game.”

Lewis Ferguson said, “I’m pleased with the team’s performance. We have a good game. This is a great group, and we have a lot of quality; I don’t know how to explain our inconsistent form. Bernardeschi? He has a lot of quality and a great left foot. But our strength is in the group. What do we need in Rome? A bit of everything, but mostly confidence.”

Post-match reaction from Jonathan Rowe: “I’m pleased to have contributed with the assist that led to the goal, just a shame that it wasn’t enough for the win. After the draw, it will all come down to the second leg. We know that the Olimpico is a tough place to play, but we believe in our own ability and we want to show that on the pitch.”

The goascorer Federico Bernadeschi told Sky, “We played well in front of our fans. Shame about the draw. We were in control, then we made the odd error, and, in Europe against teams like Roma, you can’t afford to make mistakes. Now, we’ll go for it at the Olimpico. There’s an understanding there with Rowe, like with all the wingers. We’re doing well. I’m in good form, and I’m pleased with the team. Playing in a European round of 16 tie is nothing to be sniffed at. When I go into a competition, I do so thinking I can go far. The final is still my goal. If we’re here now, it means we’re good enough. The road is long and the other teams are strong, but if we keep our confidence high, we can do well.”