Moreno reflects on first start for the Giallorossi

Moreno slotted into the defence seamlessly as Roma picked up a valuable 1-0 win over Torino, extending their record of keeping a clean sheet in every away game so far this season.

Speaking with Roma Radio, the Mexico international discussed his personal performance and how the team spirit within the group is continuing to grow...

ROMA RADIO: You've not been at Roma very long but you already speak Italian. How many languages do you speak?

MORENO: "Spanish, English, Dutch and Italian now. I've always said I'd like to learn Italian."

How do you feel after yesterday's game?

"I'm delighted to have played and I'm pleased with what the coach and Juan Jesus said about me. I knew I had to learn about Italian football. The gaffer is right, I'm used to a different brand of football. My coaches used to tell me to man mark, saying 'he's your man, have him' and I'd do so. It's different here."

So Italian football is a lot different to other leagues?

"Yes, I've played in Mexico, Holland and Spain. The football here is very tactical but also physical. I've seen how good opposition forward players are. It's important to be physically prepared to cope with them."

We've seen you build from the back regularly too...

"Yes, I'm lucky enough to have played under some great coaches who taught me how to play football. I improved a lot under them. I like to have the ball and it's definitely nicer than chasing after opponents. Everyone does their bit for the team. What matters is the team is on good form and we have to keep working hard to continue our progress."

Do you prefer playing in a back three or four?

"I enjoy playing as part of a back four because I've done so a lot in the past. I've played in a five-man defence for Mexico and I like that too because obviously I have greater freedom in possession. Ultimately your shape changes a lot during matches but that's not an issue for me. What matters is helping your team-mates out."

[Aleksandar] Kolarov said yesterday that he's settled really well in the dressing room and it's like he's been a part of the squad for a couple of years already. Do you feel the same?

"Yes, we have a dressing room that immediately makes you feel at home. It's probably been easier for Kolarov because he speaks Italian but I speak it and understand it well too now. Things are a lot better now even though I've liked it here since day one."

Yesterday's match was tough but in the end you finally got that win at Torino.

"Yesterday's result was massive in a very tough game. We had a few regrets after the Chelsea match - we were disappointed. We wanted to push on from our display in London. Now we have three home matches in front of our fans, who are a real asset, and that will definitely help."

You defenders also deserve credit for the fact Alisson has so few saves to make...

"It's not just us though, the forwards and midfielders deserve praise too. They disrupt the opposition's play and their forwards have tough balls to cope with which makes life easier for us defenders. We play as a team but we can do a lot more."

Mexico is a very religious country and you're a devout Catholic yourself. What's it like living in Rome?

"I'd been here twice in the past and I knew I'd like to live here. It's wonderful and last week I went to the Vatican for the first time which was a big experience for my family and me. Plus there's Roma here, who are a massive club. There aren't many Mexicans in Europe but none of them play in such a big team. Everyone is watching Roma back home in Mexico now."

You all speak different languages at the back. How do you communicate?

"We speak Italian. Communication is very important and we centre backs all rate and respect each other. We have an excellent relationship and that makes it easier to play together. We all want to start but ultimately the coach picks the team. I like it when the team wins and when they play well when called upon. Winning is what matters most."

What others said about Moreno after yesterday's game

"Moreno made his debut and played excellently. His performance was proof that hard work pays off. He’s a top lad with great technical ability, plus he’s applying himself really hard. We did well in defence, stepping up when we had to and often playing their forwards offside."
 

- Eusebio Di Francesco

"He deserves the compliments for a good first start. He works hard in training, he earned his chance and did great - very calm." 

- Juan Jesus