AS Roma striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo has been defended by coach Aurelio Andreazzoli.

Osvaldo has come in for harsh criticism this season.

Andreazzoli said: "Osvaldo is great. The role of a striker is a strange one and history speaks of so many curious stories. When a forward doesn't score, he always has difficulties and struggles to find a balance.

"Osvaldo was unlucky, then certain situations were blown out of all proportion. We entered into a vortex that damaged him, but the reality is not the one painted by the media. It's a shame he isn't able to do what everyone expects of him."