Di Francesco: The team's confidence is growing

Kostas Manolas, Daniele De Rossi and Lorenzo Pellegrini grabbed the goals for the Giallorossi, as they prepared for Tuesday's vital Champions League showdown with Shakhtar Donetsk with a confidence-boosting three points.

“We didn't actually play very well in the first half," Di Francesco said. "Torino were better than us, but that's because we were poor. Our ball circulation was slow and we rarely played the ball forward.

“I tweaked a few things after the break, pushing Radja Nainggolan slightly further forward, and we managed to get the ball forward better after that. We also grew into the game physically and closed them down better.

“Mentally, the lads felt a bit of pressure because we hadn't won at the Olimpico for a while – and I could see that. We ended up complicating things for ourselves because we let them in two or three times.”

You have a big game at the Olimpico on Tuesday...

“Today's win shows that we've cleared the hurdle now. We had lots of corners and free kicks today but I don't think we're fully exploiting our ability – either because we're not accurate or we're not incisive.

“We're going to need 12 men on Tuesday. I believe the crowd will have a crucial role to play against Shakhtar.”

What did you think of Patrik Schick's performance?

“Like the rest of the team, he didn't play well in the first half. He didn't get the right support or the right service.

“He tends to drift out wide instead getting in the box. He's working hard and improving but you need to give these players time – take Cengiz [Under], for example.

“Patrik has plenty of ability and anyone who knows anything about football can see that.”

Where will you have to do better on Tuesday than you did tonight?

“I think we need to hold our shape better – that's fundamental if we want to grow as a team. There were lots of times where we lost our shape.

“Shakhtar are a Brazilian team in attack but I'm sure we'll be able to cause them problems too because we're looking sharper again. Seven goals in two games is good going and it's great for the lads' confidence.”

What was the difference between the first and second half today?

“I changed things at half time and switched to 4-2-3-1. We were too far away from the forwards, both when we had to chase the ball and when we were building play ourselves.

"With Radja pushed further forward, we were able to close them down better and attack their backline when we won the ball back. We weren't able to do that in the first half; I changed things to help the lads change approach.”

Looking at the squad you have, do you regret not being up there challenging with Napoli and Juventus?

“I think one of the biggest mistakes people make in football – and in Rome especially – is thinking about what could have been instead of focusing on what we can still achieve. We still have plenty to play for.

“Yes, we've dropped points but there's no point looking back now; we must look forward and keep improving. We'll have other not-so-good games before we improve.

“We have lots of young players who were used to playing in different countries but they're growing and improving. Everything we've done will help us to improve.”

How good a season is Alisson having?

“He didn't face many shots in the first part of the season, so I asked the lads to let our opponents have a few more so we could give him something to do!

“[Roma goalkeeping coach] Marco Savorani is doing brilliant job with him.”