Di Francesco: We still need to be more clinical

The coach acknowledged the game gave him much to be pleased about as the squad prepare to head to England for the Champions League semi-finals against Liverpool.

“It was a great performance against a side who had been impressive at home recently and given very little away," Di Francesco said.

"We started off on the right foot by getting down their throats right from kick-off. I'm really happy with our overall performance today – at the back, up front and in midfield. I'm very pleased with the lads.”

Now you can finally turn your attentions to Liverpool...

“We made sure we prepared for this one really well. We managed to shut everything else out and that's what allowed us to produce such a good display today.”

Patrik Schick finally got his first Serie A goal for Roma as well.

“That was really important. He played two or three good balls in the first half and might have done a couple of other things a bit better. He's a very talented lad and I'm delighted he's scored because that's what strikers need at times like this. He really needed it and he's been working so hard. Footballers should enjoy themselves when they play the game and I think if he can smile a bit more it will help him play even better.”

Roma missed lots of chances again, though...

“You're right there. At half time some of the lads were a bit down because we were only winning 1-0. I told them if they stayed positive and kept playing the way they were we'd score more. It's still a problem for us but I'm happy to see us creating so many chances – that's pleasing. We just need to be a bit more clinical, especially on Tuesday.”

What did you make of Jonathan Silva on his debut?

“He played a very intelligent game. It was his first match and he pushed up at the right times, instilling confidence. He did all the right things and was excellent.

“I'd like to stress how well [Maxime] Gonalons did too though, because people tend to only point out his mistakes. He was solid all round and showed skill and determination. I'm happy for him because he always works so hard for the team.”

Stephan El Shaarawy put himself about a bit too. Do you reckon he wants a start on Tuesday?

“Yes, but I don't want him to play well only before Champions League games! If he'd had 100 shots today, they wouldn't have gone in for him. His movement was excellent, like in the first half hour against Genoa. He keeps a cooler head in front of goal than our other wide players and he was a bit unlucky. I'm happy everyone wants to play at Anfield but I can only pick 11.”

Liverpool drew [against WBA] today. What does that tell you going into your Champions League meeting?

“We'll have to keep things really tight defensively as a team and know exactly what we're doing tactically because we're going to be up against a top-quality side.”