Roma legend Francesco Totti recounts importance of derby, praises Abraham | OneFootball

Francesco Totti, Roma’s greatest player, spoke to Lega Serie A about the importance of Derby della Capitale, Roma’s chances going into the match and the current Giallorossi players he likes most.

On how he lived each derby:

“Before I became a player, I was a season ticket holder in the Curva and I was a die hard fan of Roma, for me the derby was a special match, we lived it differently from all other cities, I suffered a lot.”

“The city of Rome brings you this special relationship between players and fans, between me and them there was mutual love and I lived it differently from other players.”

On the anticipation leading up to the derby:

“When it comes to derby in Rome, I’m talking about 20 years ago, it was talked about at least 3-4 months earlier, there were those who preferred to win the two derbies rather than the Scudetto.”

“Clearly, if you win the derby and the Scudetto it’s the icing on the cake, the important thing was not to be defeated, if you lost the derby you had to wait for the return leg because it was difficult to live through defeat in Rome.”

On Lorenzo Pellegrini:

“I have always said that he has something more than the others, I hope he can have an excellent career.”

“Rome is a difficult place, he may not be as well regarded as me and De Rossi were, but if he continues like this he would have everything on his side.”

On Tammy Abraham:

“When these players arrive, everyone thinks he’s the derby man, he’s a formidable player.”

“He was a top signing, he is a guy who is intent on making a contribution to the team, in a city like Rome a player like him who shows attachment is absolutely fundamental.”

On the match-up between Sarri and Mourinho:

“What matters is the pitch, the motivation, the desire to win. If you have two technicians of this caliber, you know it will be a nice derby to watch.”

“With Mourinho on the bench it’s all the more exciting, he is the one who helps you, motivates you, stimulates you, makes you give everything and in a city like Rome I think that’s the most important thing.”