Need to Know: Di Francesco's key comments before Cagliari

The Giallorossi know they must finish the season strongly if they are to be back in Europe's top club competition next season - and build on this season's performance, which saw them reach the semi-finals.

Two wins from their final three games will be enough for Roma to reach their objective.

How has the squad responded to the game against Liverpool?

“That match took a lot out of us so we’ve got a few players on the edge. I’ll assess the situation between today and tomorrow. [Kevin] Strootman won’t be involved, nor will [Diego] Perotti, [Gregoire] Defrel or [Rick] Karsdorp.”

Cagliari need points to stay up: what problems does this match pose?

“The fact they’re so set on getting points. Cagliari is always a tough place to go, and it will be a difficult encounter physically and mentally. We’re expecting a real battle in which we’ll need to bring our best weapons to the fore: our football. We must show a completely determined attitude to cope with the heavy challenges there will be.”

The club has given you strong public backing, is that a good thing for continuity?

“I think the club’s statement reflects the progress made so far. The most positive aspect is that we all want to grow, strengthen our mentality and build something. I’m very happy about this. We’ll discuss the contract situation at the right time, but I’m relaxed and happy to continue down this path. However, we still need to reach our objectives, the main one being to qualify for the Champions League.”

Daniele De Rossi mentioned the necessity of keeping the squad together in order to build. Do you agree with him?

“When you’re doing something positive, it’s totally the right thing to continue with it. We need to lay out the foundations and understand what the players’ wishes are. I reiterate that underpinning all of this is the essential objective of Champions League football.”

This team have acquired the self-confidence that they can compete at the top level. Have a few new characters emerged?

“More than any new characters, I saw a really strong identity. The best thing for me – aside from the desire to win the tie where we just came short – was the unity and the will from the players and the Giallorossi supporters to pull off the achievement. There was a great sense of belonging and this needs to flourish at the club and in the team. When you go to Roma, the first thing you need to do is develop an identity with the club.”

Roma, Lazio and Inter are fighting it out for the Champions League spots: what percentage chance would you give yourself? Will four points be enough or do you need six?

“I think from today we need to focus on getting six points, starting with three against Cagliari. We’re in a delicate situation as we’ve invested a lot of energy and this worries me a bit. I have to pick a team with the legs and the brains to compete against a side that is fighting to stay up. The main thing is to take home the three points. I’m not interested in percentages, what’s important is to qualify for the Champions League and I don’t care about anything else.”

Can De Rossi and [Maxime] Gonalons play together from the start? How is [Stephan] El Shaarawy doing?

“For me, they can play together. It depends on the type of performance you want to put in, but it’s an option. Either today or tomorrow, I have to make a decision on El Shaarawy. He hasn’t got any major problems and he’s done well physically and technically in recent games.”

What have you liked from what you’ve seen so far and where do improvements need to be made for the future?

“I’ve liked the players’ ability to display the same principles despite changing formations. I’ve noticed many things in both Europe and domestically that could bring us advantages in the future. This league campaign has thrown up plenty of interesting things that have helped the squad to develop.

I like the desire to always try to dominate play, without ever sitting back. I don’t want a team that waits but one that forces the issue.”