Ranieri reacts to Juventus draw

This is what the boss had to say...

[A question from Gianluigi Buffon] Everyone knows that you love Roma like few other people in Rome, so I was wondering: Why do you have to step down if you're achieving such good results?

“I retired last year. There were some clubs that asked about my availability and I said I could only go back for Roma or Cagliari and I prayed that it wouldn't happen because it would mean they were going through a bad patch. When Daniele [De Rossi] sadly left, I thought: 'Good. They've got [Ivan] Juric so I can relax.' 

“In any case, you have to be able to live a bit when you reach a certain age. I've been travelling the world for the last 35 years and I haven't seen the world yet. Before I die I'd like to see a bit of what there is beyond football. I think that's only right. You got to 40, 41 then you played against me and I made you retire, so I think it's right. Now it's right for me to stop. Big Ben has said stop!”

Did you expect Juventus to play like that in the opening 20 minutes? 

“Yes, we did. We knew [Igor] Tudor would have instilled his mentality, his grit and determination. We knew they would play it forward quickly and direct. It didn't surprise us. They played well and I can tell you now that Juventus are a great team and they'll be in the mix for the top four. I've never bet in my life but if I were a betting man, I'd bet money on Juve finishing in the top four.

“It shows you what football is like. Just as we'd found our feet and were starting to get at them, when we were on top, they went and scored. Before then, [Mile] Svilar pulled off a brilliant save to keep out Nico Gonzalez's header, then we had that attack with [Artem] Dovbyk and [Bryan] Cristante. 

“The good thing was we managed to equalise at the start of the second half and after that we got ourselves sorted out. When you realise you can't win, the main thing is you don't lose. You take a few risks to score but not too many.”

How important is it for Roma to maintain this unbeaten run even in difficult matches like this?

“It's hugely important. I told the lads we were heading into the final straight. We could have got off to a false start today or we could have sprinted ahead with a win. We've started the final straight not too slowly against a top team.

“Next we have the derby and we know what a wonderful, massive match it is – the sort you can only comment on afterwards. Hopefully we'll do well and hopefully all the fans will enjoy themselves and there'll be lots of skill on display.”