โNot just a stadium, but a cathedral.โ This phrase greets fans, tourists, and teams at Bilbao airport as the return leg of the Europa League Round of 16 clash between Roma and Athletic approaches. A week ago, in the first leg, the Giallorossi emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, but now they face a sterner test: a mere 90 minutes stand between them and a ticket to progress, keeping alive their hopes for another European final. That climactic encounter is set for May 21 at San Mamรฉs, that very cathedral in Bilbao, where Dybala and his teammates will gallivant onto the hallowed turf, as the locals strive to overturn their deficit from the dying moments at the Olimpico. Listening to Ranieri and Dybala, their mission is clear: โletโs start from 0-0โ as if that lead never existed. As Ranieri warns, โIf we think we can play for a draw, we risk defeat. We must enter the field with courage and pursue our game.โ Differentiating this contest from the first leg, expect Ranieri to solidify his midfield by swapping a trequartista for Cristante, pairing him with Paredes and Konรฉ. Hummels is likely to return in defense, while Shomurodov edges ahead of Dovbyk up front. Dybala, described by Ranieri as โa total leader,โ will support the attack, embodying the spirit of Roma. When asked if he hopes to hit 200 career goals tomorrow, the โJoyaโ said, โThat would be wonderful, but the key is to progress in the competition. Being less selfish is crucial for Romaโs success.โ Dybala acknowledges Ranieriโs influence in his leadership evolution, stating, โHis experience has instilled confidence in me to support my teammates, especially the younger ones.โ The goal? To erase the bitterness of the Budapest final last season. โIt left a sour taste,โ the Argentine confesses. While the final may still be a distant aim, theyโre focused on returning to San Mamรฉs. Tomorrowโs match marks a pivotal point in the season, yet Ranieri remains unfazed: โI donโt dwell on it. I remind the lads to forget the previous match, regardless of the outcome. The past is water under the bridge.โ In essence, the mantra is: no complacency or standing still in nostalgia. Ranieri, no stranger to San Mamรฉs after a 3-0 triumph as Valenciaโs coach back in February 1996, concludes, โI take pride in what Iโve done. Once I retire, Iโll look back and see both my achievements and mistakes, though those donโt weigh heavily on me, nor do I bask in my past successes.โ Thereโs a collective hope in Trigoria that when Ranieri reflects on his career, tomorrow's match wonโt feature among his missteps.
