Ranieri: ‘Dybala is the light, the spark, and the bomb’ at Roma | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri admits Roma must thank Paulo Dybala for their Europa League play-off victory over Porto, but also raged at his defenders. ‘Dybala is the light, he is the spark, he is the bomb, he is everything.’

The tie was in the balance after a 1-1 first leg draw and things were looking rough at the Stadio Olimpico when Samu’s acrobatic overhead kick gave Porto the lead.

However, Dybala took matters into his own hands with two fantastic goals in the space of four minutes to turn it around.

Having complained about the refereeing in Portugal, Ranieri was grateful to VAR for sending off Stephen Eustaquio for a pointless off the ball punch on Leandro Paredes’ chest.

Niccolò Pisilli made the result safe, which was needed because Devyne Rensch scored an own goal with practically the last kick of the game for 4-3 on aggregate.

“Having great players helps. Having Dybala in your armoury means a lot, as along with being an extraordinary player, he is also a leader who fires up the teams. He doesn’t talk much, but when he does, he says the right things at the right times,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is thanks to him that we got the game back on track. His teammates gave their all, but he is the light. He is the spark, he is the bomb, he is everything. He’s in good shape physically, he is enjoying his football and would love to always be on the pitch. I’m happy to have him.”

Ranieri adores Dybala and rages at Roma defenders

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 20: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between AS Roma and FC Porto at Stadio Olimpico on February 20, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

However, the fact that Roma still managed to concede at the death against 10 men left the coach furious on the touchline.

“I didn’t go into the locker room after the game or I was going to go crazy… I already go crazy when we concede one goal, let alone two. When I see players all go on the attack, I kept telling them to stay in their positions, where are they going? There was so much time left.

“Porto also hit the upright, then scored another at the end, this is a group that has to become a real team. We had the reaction thanks to Paulo, it was 10 against 11, we had to be more focused.”

Trying to look on the positive side, that means Ranieri sees vast room for improvement using the current Europa League squad as they enter the last 16.

“I am super happy, but we still need to improve. Everyone knows we concede goals on the counter-attack, so why offer it to them on a plate? When we are 3-1 up, it is not admissible to do that. I have to stop talking now, otherwise what I was trying not to say to the squad in the locker room, I will end up saying on television…

“They have fun attacking, while I have a heart attack on the touchline! I like it, honestly, but we also have to be rational. Make the substitutes run, I cannot see defenders running beyond the forwards in those situations. Where are we going?!

“Anyway, let’s focus on the positives, they were two great games and the team proved it wants to do well. There are circumstances and moments that can change the course of a tie, but I am satisfied with the approach from these lads.”

Porto love to play out from the back using goalkeeper Diogo Costa, but Roma’s high press allowed them to win it back to spark the equaliser.

“We knew that Porto have a lot of quality in the midfield and attack, but that in defence they often misplace passes. This is why we went for the high press, because we knew they would make mistakes,” confirmed Ranieri.

Ranieri had to make a last-minute change tonight because Artem Dovbyk pulled out with an adductor issue and was not even on the bench, so Eldor Shomurodov was the only alternative.

“I was very disappointed that he didn’t get a goal, because Shomurodov is a lad who works so hard, he runs like crazy and I love him. He is always ready to help everyone, but is not just hard work, he also has technique and vision.”

The Europa League draw is tomorrow and Roma will be paired with either Lazio or Athletic Club, so will Ranieri be watching?

“No, I have a training session!”