Saelemaekers on Roma meeting parent club Milan in Coppa Italia quaterfinals: “It’s special.” | OneFootball

Roma wide-man Alexis Saelemaekers shared his thoughts after the capital club’s 4-1 victory over Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Wednesday evening.

A first half brace from Artem Dovbyk along with goals from Tommaso Baldanzi and Eldor Shomurodov led the Giallorossi past the Ligurians—setting up a quarter-final showdown against Milan.

Saelemaekers, who registered an assist on Roma’s opening strike, will face-off against his parent club for the first time since his summer loan switch to the Italian capital.

“Obviously the match against Milan will be special,” the Belgian told SportMediaset.

“It’s always special to return to the team where you played, and Milan was my first club in Italy. But for now, we’re focused on the next game. The Milan match will come after, and we need to keep working hard.”

He continued, “I’ve worked very, very hard since my injury—and it wasn’t easy. I’m grateful to everyone at the club and my family for their support.”

“But now I’m back on the pitch and I feel great, I’m very happy.”