Sabatini hits out at Roma

Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has slammed his side after their thrashing at the hands of Juventus.

Zdenek Zeman’s side were humbled in Turin on Saturday, as an early blitz from the Serie A champions sent them on their way to a 4-1 win.

Sabatini, 57, condemned the attitude of the players and called on them to learn from the defeat – and quickly.

“Many players don’t deserve to wear the shirt,” he told Mediaset Premium. “We have to immediately change trajectory. Immediately.

“In the space of a few minutes, we suffered two upper-cuts then the team just disappeared. We ask our players to react. Let’s not get discouraged.

“This team is competitive and we know that we can play with anyone. We just have to learn from this defeat and change tack.”

Despite his side’s lacklustre showing, the former Stadio Olimpico player has defended Zeman after criticism of his tactics, insisting the team is still in transition.

“I am referring to a squad that is midway through the process and still trying to absorb certain concepts,” he said.

“We are not yet gelled as a team, but must face every game with a different spirit – right now.

“It is evident that we’re behind schedule. Roma need to step on to the pitch with the right attitude and motivation.

“We emerge from this evening with great suffering, but have to find a solution.”