Rudi Garcia was delighted with his Roma side following their Derby della Capitale win over Lazio.
Roma emerged 2-1 victors with the three goals coming in the space of 12 minutes. First, Juan Iturbe put the Giallorossi ahead, but that strike was cancelled out by Filip Djordjevic. Before Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa restored Roma’s lead with just five minutes to play.
As a result, the Giallorossi have secured second place in Serie A and automatic qualification for the Champions League group stage.
“We prepared well for the game,” Garcia told Sky Sport Italia. “The players were good especially those who came on as substitutes.
“I want to congratulate the lads. We wanted this victory badly, we believed in it and we got it.
“We have achieved our goal for the season and now want to celebrate with our fans.
“We’re second, we got qualification to the Champions League and we are the best team, no just in the city but the second behind Juventus, who, for me, are unreachable at the moment.”
Garcia was also delighted with Iturbe’s contribution to the team.
“Manuel [Iturbe] has always given his best for the team and tonight he got his reward,” Garcia commented.
“I’m delighted for his as a goal in the derby will give him confidence for the moment, but also for the future.”
When asked about Pioli’s comments regarding Garcia’s press match press conference, the Roma boss shrugged them off.
“If he is referring to the statements in the press conference,” the Frenchman said. “They are just part of the show, it is a strategy.
“I don’t know if Lazio will end the season third or fourth, but they have a lot of good players.
