Xabi Alonso’s tactical decision exposed De Rossi and Roma in Europa League semifinal

Italian media note that Xabi Alonso’s decision to play Florian Wirtz as a false nine exposed Daniele De Rossi and Roma in the first leg of the Europa League semifinal on Thursday.

The Giallorossi lost 2-0 to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen at the Stadio Olimpico last night, and Italian media praised the Germans’ coach Xabi Alonso for a key tactical decision.

La Gazzetta dello Sport rated the Spanish tactician 7.5/10, highlighting that using Wirtz as a false nine paid off, while De Rossi’s Roma soon looked too stretched and conceded too many goal-scoring opportunities to their opponents. The Italian tactician was rated 5/10.

Xabi Alonso’s tactical decision exposed De Rossi and Roma in Europa League semifinal

Sky Sport Italia correspondent Angelo Mangiante also said on Friday morning that Wirtz’s position gave Roma defenders, including Chris Smalling, ‘no points of reference’, adding that the Englishman also struggled with building up from the back.

Italy and Inter legend Beppe Bergomi, a pundit for Sky Sport Italia, said that Bayer Leverkusen deservedly beat Roma and could have scored even more goals in the second half.

“Once they took the lead, Roma could not keep tight lines and Bayer could rely on technical players up front for counter-attacks,” said the former defender.