14 February 2015
Massimiliano Allegri says there is little chance of him making wholesale changes for tomorrow’s trip to Cesena, with the three points “far too important” for him to consider freshening up his squad ahead of upcoming meetings with Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund.
With Roma running out at the Stadio Olimpico against basement boys Parma earlier on in the day, the Tuscan tactician is aware the Bianconeri’s lead could be cut to four points by the time they cross the white line at the Dino Manuzzi on Sunday evening.
Up against the relegation threatened Cavallucci Marini, who contest their home games on a unique playing surface, Allegri says he is keen to steer clear of a potential banana skin and therefore will be sending out his best possible starting line-up.
Speaking to the media in Vinovo, the 47-year-old began: “The three points tomorrow are far too important for us, because if Roma beat Parma we could run out in Cesena with our advantage trimmed to just four points, so it’s vital we maintain our lead as it is. We’ll therefore think about tomorrow’s game, then our meeting with Atalanta and then Dortmund in that order.
“It will be a tough game. Cesena have hit some good form and we’ll be playing on artificial surface, meaning the ball moves quicker and we’ll have to be at the races from a technical standpoint. I won’t be rotating the starting line-up, but will send out the best possible team.”
The suspension of top scorer Carlos Tevez means Allegri will be forced to shuffle his pack in the final third for the visit to Emilia-Romagna.
But he elected to keep his cards close to his chest when quizzed on his potential paring, refuting the media’s suggestion that Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente were guaranteed to lead the line.
"There’s been speculation all week about whether Llorente or Morata will play. They may even line up together, but Coman is in good shape too. I haven't decided yet whether to go with Morata or Llorente, or if Coman could play with one of them. I’ll make a decision on that after training today or tomorrow morning. Pirlo’s not a doubt – he’s in the team."
Allegri concluded by providing his views on the controversy caused by recent comments attributed to Lazio president Claudio Lotito, who is alleged to have made disparaging remarks regarding the prospect of Carpi and Frosinone joining Serie A.
He added: “As a manager and former player I believe it’s the results that count and the teams coming up from Serie B are deserved of their promotion, regardless of their name. On this subject I’d like to pass on my best to Livorno, my hometown club whose 100th anniversary is today. I hope they can celebrate by winning promotion.”
