Massara: Italy derby Bologna vs. Roma in Europa League not good for UEFA Ranking
Roma director Frederic Massara expects two ‘great games’ against Bologna in the Europa League Round of 16, but admits that the Serie A derby ‘does not favour Italy’ in the UEFA ranking.
Roma and Bologna will meet in the Europa League Round of 16, but both Serie A sides would have preferred a different outcome to today’s draw.
Bologna vs. Roma in Europa League Round of 16 – Massara reacts
Roma, in fact, could have met Genk, while the Rossoblu’s other possible opponent was Freiburg.
Bologna director Marco Di Vanio had argued that a match against a club from another country would have probably given even more motivation to the Rossoblu, and his Roma counterpart Massara partially agreed.
“Perhaps, it could lose a bit of the charm coming from a European match, but we know it’s a nice game, with a lot at stake,” the Roma sporting director told Sky Sport Italia.
“The regret is for the ranking, as this does not favour Italy.”
Serie A sits fifth in the UEFA coefficient ranking, and even if the gap with Germany and Spain is reduced to 0.20 points, only four Italian teams remain in European competitions this season, and just one, Atalanta, in the Champions League.
“Surely these will be two great games. Bologna are a strong side, which is returning to the levels of recent seasons,” continued Massara.
“We’ll be happy to play; it will be a great show.”
Di Vaio had also praised Roma striker Donyell Malen, who has scored five goals in his first six Roma appearances.
“I have to say he’s had a positive impact immediately, but Bologna also have valuable players, so we must pay close attention,” Massara replied.