Need to Know: Di Francesco's key pre-Fiorentina comments

Catch up on all the key points from the press conference, as the boss discussed the reaction to Wednesday's Champions League defeat against Barcelona, the current fitness situation of the squad and more...

On morale after Wednesday...

“The day after [the Barcelona game] wasn't easy. We were all disappointed with the result because we didn't deserve to lose by such a scoreline but we must look forward. We have another big match to play against Fiorentina now and they'll be determined to do well.

“We have a few niggling problems we need to consider carefully because we have Barcelona and Lazio to play next week. We must make sure we're ready for these games. Our mentality is improving but it's not good enough yet – the result tells you that.”

On the injury list...

“Cengiz Under won't be involved tomorrow but hopefully we'll be able to include him in the squad for Barcelona next week.

“[Radja] Nainggolan will have a fitness test today to see if he can play against Fiorentina. On the day of the match against Barcelona he gave it one last go in training but still felt some pain and it would have affected him during the game.

“[Diego] Perotti has a bit of a problem: he definitely won't be in the squad against Fiorentina but hopefully he won't be out for too long. He picked up a nasty knock to the calf just before half time on Wednesday and that affected his game.

“[Gregoire] Defrel will start tomorrow. As for the others, we'll have to see.”

On Roma's finishing...

“We must convert more of our chances. We have lots of big games coming up and we'll try to improve our percentage of shots to goals then draw our conclusions at the end. We certainly need to be more clinical in front of goal – that's an area where we've come up a little short all season.”

On Barcelona...

“When I watch the game back and forget that I'm the Roma coach for a minute I have to say that I was pleased with how we played. We stayed tight as a unit both when defending and attacking and we restricted a team who are fantastic in possession. Barcelona are all about possession play: they always try to play the ball and I like playing teams like that.

“We had various opportunities to hurt them and went close to doing so several times but we can't possibly be happy after losing a game 4-1. There were some positives and lots of things we can do better. There weren't many team errors, though; it was individual mistakes that cost us the game.”

On Patrik Schick...

“We just have to let Schick get on with things without putting any pressure on him. Being a Roma footballer isn't easy and he needs to improve. We'll give him the time he needs to grow in all areas. I've always said to him that he's got fantastic ability – we all know that – but sometimes players aren't able to express themselves for a whole number of reasons.

“I don't want to rush him or place too much responsibility on his shoulders. He may or may not play tomorrow and if he does play I won't be looking at him especially.”