Svilar: ‘Inevitable Roma will win many games’ with this level of performance

Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar insists it is ‘inevitable we will win many games’ if they keep up the standard of performance seen in their 1-0 defeat to AC Milan.

The Giallorossi went into San Siro knowing that a victory would make them the sole Serie A leaders after Napoli were held to a goalless draw by Como on Saturday.

However, after dominating the opening 35 minutes, they went behind to the first Rossoneri shot on goal, when Rafael Leao went on the counter-attack and pulled back for Strahinja Pavlovic to tap in.

They were unable to turn it back around, as Paulo Dybala saw his late penalty parried by Mike Maignan.

“It’s a pity to put in such a positive performance in this stadium and emerge empty-handed,” Svilar told DAZN Italia.

“We can be proud of the performance, and know there is a very long way to go this season. We’ve got to think positive and look to the future after the way we played. If we keep playing like this, the points will arrive.”

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Considering Milan had Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku upfront, it seemed inevitable that they would focus on the counter-attack, even though they were the home team.

“We did know this was their main strength, but our first half was so good that the positivity we felt made us push, push, push,” confessed the goalkeeper.

“We were unable to score a goal today, but if we play like this in future, it is inevitable we will get positive results. Don’t forget we are on 21 points and up there with other big clubs. It is inevitable we will win many games this season.”

Roma are now joint second along with Inter and Milan, just one point behind new sole leaders Napoli in an incredibly tight top of the table tussle.

Svilar kept the scoreline down with a sensational save on the Rafael Leao strike, while he was also rescued by a Mario Hermoso goal-line clearance.

“I was a bit surprised by the deflection off Mancini, it was pure instinct for me to stick my hand up. It’s a good save, and a real pity it didn’t help bring us any points.”

The bad news on top of the result is that Dybala seemed to tweak his adductor during the penalty, suggesting he could be out of action for several weeks.

“Anyone who steps up to take a penalty requires courage and in those situations it’s 50-50, as it is for us goalkeepers. Hopefully next time will go better for us.”