“I didn't expect it to be quite like this”

The Italian was satisfied with the performance of his students, who managed to dismantle the compact defense of the Romanian national team. Montella said he was surprised that the “tricolors” defended themselves so much in Istanbul.

The Turkish coach finally praised Mircea Lucescu, who was, most likely, at the last official match on Romania's bench.

Vincenzo Montella: “I didn't really expect this from Romania”

“It was a game from which we expected it to proceed like this, we didn't concede a goal, we didn't leave big distances between the players. I operated on their reduced spaces. I didn't expect it to be like that.

But I think our national team played a good match, showed maturity. Lucescu is a legend, there was no extra pressure, he is perhaps the most titled coach in recent times.

I talked to him a bit, but nothing spectacular, I wished him success. The important thing is that we moved on”, said Vincenzo Montella, on Prima TV.

Romania is a very good team, they have quality players and a good coach. He was also our coach, he knows the players, he knew how to defend. He knows exactly these qualities. I am grateful to Mr. Lucescu for building this team, this generation. We have improved a lot with him. He is a good man whom I respect.

I wish Romania good luck because they are a good team, but this is football. One team loses, another wins, but I wish them the best of luck.

– Hakan Calhanoglou, captain of Turkey