Vincenzo Montella has warned Roma not to underestimate Fulham as they prepare for their Europa League tie at Craven Cottage on Thursday.
‘L’Aeroplanino,’ who now coaches Roma’s youth team, retired in the summer after spending the best part of a decade with the Italian games. Montella also had a six-month loan spell with Fulham, where he quickly became a popular figure with the fans. The Italian made 14 appearances for the Whites, the majority of them coming as a substitute, scoring five goals.
Roma have more experience than [Roy] Hodgson’s team, but nothing is for granted. I have watched Fulham on TV of late and they struck me as a compact unit, a very physical and quick team. They have tougher defenders than ours, but they are also less shrewd.
I had a pleasant experience in London and they welcomed me very well. I think they liked me and my close friends tell me they still remember me.
My best memories are of my first goal when the fans started chanting ‘Volare’.
We certainly remember you fondly, Vincenzo.
