'It will be a disappointment if Roma finishes second'

And so, it begins. Not only the new season in Serie A, but also Jose Mourinho’s press conference antiques. The Portuguese tactician spoke to the media ahead of the first game of the season – a trip to Salernitana, and immediately sparked a debate about the transfer window and the money which was spent by other rivals, Lazio in particular. He did it in ‘self-defence’, as he tried to avoid the questions about Roma being a title contender.

The Rome-based club strengthened significantly this summer as they brought Paulo Dybala, Georginio Wijnaldum and Nemanja Matić, all on a free transfer and paid a transfer fee for only one player – Zeki Celik (7 million euros to Lille). Even the reserve keeper Mile Svilar came as a free agent from Benfica. With all these additions, this year’s Conference League champion must be a candidate for the Champions League spot, with the main rival being Napoli.

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But, journalists from Italy’s capital ‘dared’ to ask Mourinho if Roma is a title contender, considering the number of players brought, and they got an immediate response:

“I don’t think Roma are the favourite to win the title. Milan and Inter finished 25 and 23 points ahead of us last season. Have they improved their team and why are we labelled as candidates for the title? Lazio spent €39 million, are they candidates for the Scudetto? ” said the Portuguese.

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And basically, he is right. Gialorossi has spent only 7 million (on one player) but the salaries have gone up, especially with Dybala and Wijnaldum. But Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri responded immediately in his press conference.

“We didn’t spend 39 million. We have made important investments. If someone spent money this summer it’s Roma. They’ve spent a lot of it. I want to thank Mourinho for his confidence in me. I hope I can make him happy this season. That’s why I also think that if Roma were to finish second, it would be a huge disappointment” said Sarri, clearly putting additional pressure on his Portuguese counterpart.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 1

Saturday

Milan - Udinese 4-2 (2-2)

/Hernandez 11 pen, Rebic 15,68, Diaz 46 - Becao 2, Messina 45+4/

Sampdoria - Atalanta 0-2 (0-1)

/Toloi 26, Lookman 90+5/

Lecce - Inter 1-2 (0-1)

/Assan 47 - Lukaku 2, Dumfries 90+4/

Monza - Torino 0-1 (0-1)

/Miranchuk 43/

21.45: (11.0) Lecce (6.00) Inter (1.30)

21.45: (2.65) Monza (3.10) Torino (3.00)

Sunday

19.30: (1.40) Fiorentina (4.90) Cremonese (9.00)

19.30: (1.60) Lazio (4.10) Bologna (6.25)

21.45: (7.50) Salernitana (4.40) Roma (1.50)

21.45: (2.55) Spezia (3.25) Empoli (3.05)

Monday

19.30: (3.50) Verona (3.50) Napoli (2.20)

21.45: (1.51) Juventus (4.60) Sassuolo (7.50)

***odds are subject to change