Although Internazionale midfielder Hernanes is unlikely to start against Roma this evening he still believes he can have positive impact on the Serie A tie.
The Brazilian is struggling with a muscular problem according to Football Italia and when he spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of tonight’s game he talked about his previous history with Roma, his former club Lazio’s biggest rivals.
The 28-year-old said on his injury: “It is something that started in the last games with Lazio. It was only right to stay out of Inter-Cagliari as a precautionary measure, as in the last two days I’ve been able to do everything with the squad.
“I don’t need 90 minutes to be decisive or make my contribution to the team.
“It can’t help but be a special opponent after three and a half years with such intensity. I have always had a peaceful rapport with Roma fans.”
The former Lazio idol spoke about his surprise at how well Giallorossi started the season and believes he knows how to defeat tonight’s host.
Hernanes added: “I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect them to start out with 10 straight wins, especially after losing the Coppa Italia Final to Lazio in May.
“Then I realised it was a ‘response’ to that disappointment, but also down to a lot of quality.
“The way to face Roma is to play like them. Keep the tempo up, pressing them high up the field without the ball and be sure not to make mistakes coming out of your own half. Every mistake can be a counter-attack and a very costly one too.”
