Pellegrini: I believe in this squad

The game at the Stadio Olimpico gives Eusebio Di Francesco’s side the chance to build on an encouraging start to 2019 – Monday’s 4-0 Coppa Italia last-16 triumph over Virtus Entella.

And Pellegrini is confident the Giallorossi have what it takes to start stringing some important results together.

“Clearly we need to do better in the second half of the season, because we need to qualify for next season’s Champions League,” Pellegrini told Sky Sport Italia.

“But I believe in my teammates, and this team, to do that.”

“Torino will be a tough game – they are not just coming here for a holiday. They will want to come win, because starting the year off well is important for every team. But clearly we want to take the three points and will do everything we can do that – especially playing in front of our supporters.”

Asked if Roma risked missing out on the top four: “The top four isn’t ‘at risk’ – because despite the struggles we’ve had at times we are still in the hunt, so I am confident. I believe in my teammates, this squad. We can reach our aims and finish in the top four – it would be a shame not to do it.

“We are also into the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia and we’re pleased about that – there was a good atmosphere at the stadium despite the fact the match was perhaps not as exciting as some of our others. There were still plenty of fans there and that really did help us.”

As the team returns to Serie A action the return to form and fitness of a number of players means coach Eusebio Di Francesco has a few more selection options – especially in the ‘trequartista’ role, which Pellegrini, Javier Pastore and Nicolo Zaniolo have all filled at points this term.

“There are three of us for one spot,” Pellegrini acknowledged. “I am available to the coach to play a bit deeper too. I’m happy in that role, even if I think that as a trequartista I feel comfortable and perhaps enjoy it a bit more because I’m freer to play.

“But I will do what I am needed to: for my team I’d play at full-back, so I don’t have a problem playing anywhere in midfield.”

The 22-year-old also reiterated his desire to continue his adventure with his hometown club.

“I’ve said it a few times: to play for this club is a huge honour and a responsibility for me – like it is for Daniele and Alessandro, and like it was for Francesco,” he said.

“It’s really a massive honour. To wear the armband as well would make it even more significant. I work hard for that, to continue to get better for my team and teammates."