Former forward of Kyiv Dynamo Maxim Shatsky shared what he expects from the match of his former team against the Italian Roma in the 3rd round of the main stage of the Europa League, which will take place today in Rome.
— Maxim Alexandrovich, what are your expectations for the match "Roma" — "Dynamo"?
— It is clear that the Dynamo players will find it difficult. European cups are already a different level. But I don\'t think that Roma will play with an optimal lineup. Although, I believe that they have two equally strong lineups. I watched their match with Inter. They have equally strong footballers both in the starting lineup and on the bench. Even if they field players from the bench, it won\'t be any worse. Therefore, I think Dynamo will find it very hard against Roma.
— But on what basis can Dynamo count on a positive result?
— Dynamo has fast players in attack, so this can be utilized during quick transitions.
— Roma has already drawn with Athletic (1:1) and lost to Elfsborg (0:1) in this Europa League season. Can Dynamo grab some points?
— Of course, they need to go out and play! There are always chances!
— But Roma hasn\'t won for three matches in a row and has scored only one goal in them! Perhaps the Romans are in a small crisis?
— I wouldn\'t call it a crisis. But I hope that their winless streak continues in the match against Dynamo. And after the match with the Kyiv team, let them once again reveal their potential. But let them suffer through one more game.
— Dynamo won against Obolon with a score of 5:1 before the match with Roma. Is this normal for the team\'s morale before a European match?
— I watched this game completely. Everything was in line with gameplay and the score. The Kyiv team had chances to score more. But there\'s no point in comparing Obolon and Roma. Although for confidence in their strength it\'s good. Such a victory is also a plus for their position in the standings. They need to maintain their lead and not let anyone close to them. First of all, it\'s good for confidence and match rhythm.
It is clear that logistics affect strength and psychological state. I hope that there was enough time for preparation for the match against Roma, and the Kyiv players come in good shape. I hope Dynamo will break through.
— Do you think Artem Dovbik will start this match?
— I think not. They have players to rotate in attack. I think the rotation will be significant. Although anything can happen. Perhaps they will field the strongest lineup at the moment. It\'s hard to say. But I think the rotation will be colossal. Maybe Dovbik will come on as a substitute? Yes, that option is possible. And perhaps he will remain on the bench. Let\'s see.
— If we compare Roma with Lazio and Hoffenheim, is the team stronger?
— I think Roma has a slightly stronger team both in terms of lineup and playing qualities.
— Remember that famous match when in the Champions League in 2004 Dynamo defeated Roma in Kyiv with a score of 2:0. You came on as a substitute in the 77th minute and already scored the second goal in the 82nd minute! What emotions did you experience from that victory?
— Of course, the best and the most pleasant emotions can come from such a winning match! Especially when you come on as a substitute and score immediately! I came on and scored with freshness. (Laughs). But much time has passed since then. The footballers are different and the football is different!
— But the result remains!
— Yes, the result has gone down in history!
— And what did you think about the recent match of Shakhtar against Arsenal in the Champions League?
— It's disappointing that there was an own goal. Both teams tried to play with ball control. But in such matches, the team that scores wins.
Nikolai Stepanov