Dzeko: US tour a good testing ground for Champions League

Dzeko feels the performances and results obtained illustrate the early progress made by Eusebio Di Francesco's side.

The Bosnian striker was speaking after Roma's 1-1 International Champions Cup draw against Juventus at Gillette Stadium in Boston, which came following a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain and a 3-2 win over Tottenham.

“We've done some good work and had three tricky games as well,” the 31-year-old said. “We've picked up five points against three great teams who will be looking to win the Champions League, so I'd say our pre-season preparations are coming along nicely.

“I think we've played well in all our games during this tournament and our training sessions have been very useful too.”

The match also offered a glimpse of the chemistry between Dzeko and his former Manchester City team-mate Aleksandar Kolarov as the full-back provided the cross for the Bosnian's second-half equaliser.

“I know Aleksandar well and he knows the sort of runs I make. He gave me a load of assists when we played together at Man City. I'm happy he's come to Roma because he's a great player with a lot to offer this club.”

Games against Juventus always seem to feel like real matches even when they're friendlies...

“Yes, they do but I don't think any match is a friendly really. I mean, if you want to be a winner you have to set out to win them all – even these pre-season games.”

What sort of game was it against Juventus?

“The pitch was a bit dry but besides that I thought it was a great game between two top sides. We looked good in the first 15 minutes, although we struggled a bit later in the half. We played well in the second period and managed to equalise. It's a shame we lost it on penalties in the end.”

Have you seen progress from one game to the next? Starting with PSG, then Tottenham and Juve.

“Yes, there's been progressive improvement. Personally I think it's always better to play against difficult opposition, like we've had here in America. We'll be playing in the Champions League next season and so will the three sides we've faced in this tournament so it's been a good testing ground for us.

"Overall we've had a decent International Champions Cup campaign. Now we must carry on working hard to make sure we're ready when Serie A kicks off.”