De Rossi: We played like a top team

The Giallorossi eventually ran out 3-1 winners against their arch-rivals at the Stadio Olimpico – but it was not a result that the captain was necessarily expecting.

“It’s easy to say afterwards, but I’ll be completely honest: I would have been content if we had not lost,” De Rossi.

“There was a lot of pessimism, a bit of uncertainty between the squad and the Roma environment. Losing the derby today would have been a disaster, it would have been very tough to come back from, perhaps even with another ritiro [at Trigoria].

“We have had some tough spells before. Sometimes it is better to escape certain derbies with a draw. But on the pitch you could see straight away that we started with the right approach and the right attitude. We played like a great side, I’m very pleased.”

He added: “If we had lost it could have cut our legs out from under us. Winning gives us more belief, we will celebrate but will have to put it to one side as on Tuesday we have another big game. Getting through the Champions League group stage is our next task and we absolutely have to do it.”

De Rossi was asked if there was anyone in particular he wanted to dedicate the result to.

“I would like to dedicate this win to our families, because when things are not going well here for Roma it is tough for them as well – as it would be anywhere,” he said.

“Players live by the results and when you lose it can be a bit tougher to smile at home. I’d also like to say that Walter Sabatini is in our hearts, he was our sporting director and we hope he gets well soon.”