Juan Jesus: I've never been part of a group as united as this

Stephan El Shaarawy and Radja Nainggolan scored the goals either side of half-time, on a day where coach Eusebio Di Francesco made six changes from the side that beat Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek.

“Today the coach changed a lot of players and the squad responded well to that; this is because in training we are always showing that we are all ready to go,” Jesus said. “All of us had a good game. This squad has shown once again that it is very strong.

“We have to understand when is the moment to move the ball and when to attack. After the break Crotone pressed us and we struggled a bit, but we it was important to take the three points and continue what we’ve been doing.

“We know we have to continue working hard – we’re where we are on merit, we’ve picked up a lot of points recently but nothing is decided yet. At Bologna, after the break, it’ll be tough and we’ll have to think like a tough side.”

Pushed to explain how the side had performed so well after the coach made so many changes, the Brazilian paid tribute to the close-knit nature of the squad.

“There’s not one secret,” he said. “The group responded well today because the coach changed things around. Congratulations to all because it can be difficult.

“This group of players is great; I have played in other sides and have never seen a group as united as this. We are together, the other guys are great… well done to all of them.”