Pellegrini: It's up to the players to deliver against Verona

The Giallorossi are currently on a seven-match run without a win, and Pellegrini knows the drought needs to end as soon as possible.

The midfielder has enjoyed regular playing time since returning to the club in the summer, but wants to see greater rewards for his efforts at full-time.

“A player is always happy when he plays a lot and can express himself on the pitch,” Pellegrini told Sky Sport Italia.

“But there is a lot still to improve and, above all, I am never happy when at the end of the game we haven’t won the three points. Therefore we will try, from a personal and squad perspective, to change that on Sunday – because a win would be vital right now.

“Clearly it is a very important game, one we want to win at all costs: to get out of this difficult run and find a bit of calm we need to get a win.”

Pellegrini insists that the mood in the camp remains determined and focused, despite the recent struggles.

“Not winning is annoying for everyone, but the boss has clear ideas,” he added. “He prepares every game with the three points in mind. We have to do even more than we have so far, it’s down to us once we are out there and on the pitch and we have to show that starting on Sunday.”

He added: “I see a Roma that is lacking the results right now but is not lacking determination or fitness. Winning helps with winning. It’s important that we do that on Sunday and begin to pick up points game after game.

“We must remember that our campaign hasn’t always been like it is right now. Obviously we are going through a tough spell, but we are in the last-16 of the Champions League and in the Champions League we still have much to play for, if we take it game by game to bring home as many points as possible.”

The game against Verona gets underway at the Stadio Bentegodi at 12:30 CET on Sunday.