Di Francesco: I saw lots of really nice football

Edin Dzeko opened the scoring for the hosts in the first-half before Stephan El Shaarawy capped his return to the starting line-up with two goals as Roma recorded their third straight Serie A win in seven days.

“The win is good for confidence but the football we played in both halves today is what pleased me most. Our wing play was excellent and we cut inside well. I saw lots of really nice football. From a psychological perspective, it's a shame we went and let one in because we defended well for most of the game. Perhaps we deserved to score one or two more but I have to be happy with our performance today.

How long will it take to get the team playing the way you want?

“It's early to say. We need to keep doing what we're doing. The lads are taking my ideas on board and becoming more and more confident. I like the fact they're all prepared to put in a shift for the team – everyone works hard both when attacking and defending. We must play as a team and do so at both ends of the pitch. It's a shame we were caught out with that ball played in behind because our backline hadn't afforded them any space until the 90th minute. It's a pity, especially as it wasn't a difficult pass to read.”

What's it like working under the pressure you get in Rome?

“It's not always easy to win people over but for a coach what matters is the work you do on the pitch. The players must understand what the coach wants from them. I face any difficulties very calmly. I believe in what I do and when the lads see the benefit of carrying out my instructions they're more inclined to follow them. It makes things easier for everyone.”

What do you think of Stephan El Shaarawy?

“I consider him a first-choice player. Everyone is important in this team. Stephan had a bit of an injury problem in the summer but he's one of the best we've got at playing off the shoulder. The way I play the game, I want him getting into the box.”