Roma's absence from Europe could be advantage

• Football Italia, Monday, September 23, 2013 3:59 PM

Roma is perfect with four wins in four Serie A games under new French coach Rudi Garcia, and the biggest win was the 2-0 win over Lazio in the Derby della Capitale. All of Roma's goals have been scored in the second half.

“During the first half," said Garcia, "our opponents pushed harder, but Lazio played three days ago in the Europa League and I was sure they’d feel a dip in fitness levels."

Garcia said it was to Roma's advantage this season that it is not in Europe.

“It might be important that Milan, Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina are playing in Europe, which takes up energy," he added, "so it’s an advantage for us that this season we’re not in those competitions. Our objective is to finish in the top five and get back into Europe. I too am ambitious, but it’s too early to say anything more than that. We haven’t played enough games to know our true level, but I really like this team and these fans."

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