Di Francesco's pre-Genoa press conference in full

Coach Eusebio Di Francesco faced the media on Saturday afternoon to preview this weekend's Serie A meeting with Genoa.

The game at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris gets underway at 15:00 CET on Sunday.

JOURNALIST: Roma came unstuck against Atletico only when your intensity dropped off. What can you do to avoid that happening again?

DI FRANCESCO: “Let's start off by remembering there's always another team on the pitch as well and sometimes they play better than you. We allowed ourselves to get stretched in the last 25 minutes against Atletico and they wanted to win at all costs. We pressed them with a bit less vigour. In the first half we regained possession quite a lot but we did that much less after the break. We weren't determined enough – that was perhaps the main negative in Madrid. We've improved in lots of areas but I don't want to settle for that because I know we can do better.”

How's Patrik Schick?

“He'll be in the squad for tomorrow because he's trained well with the rest of the team the last two days. I don't know how long he's got in him but he definitely won't start. The main thing is he's available – we're all happy about that.”

Roma's play often seems to be channelled down the left. Do you have any other ideas for the right flank?

“Well, Schick could play there for a start. Where I have lots of options I've tried to rotate more. With [Stephan] El Shaarawy and [Diego] Perotti on the left, we've created a bit more on that side and produced a bit more quality. We'll try to improve on the right too but I can't give you a definitive solution as things stand.”

It appears a historic moment is just around the corner for the Stadio della Roma project...

“I think everything is going well and we're delighted about that. All clubs would prefer to have their own stadium and it will be a massive boost. I hope it gets off the ground as quickly as possible because it would be a huge step for the fans.”

In keeping with Black Friday, what would you like to buy for Roma?

“The players I have to work with are already the best. Players who can beat their man are always important to me but that's what any coach wants to see. I'm very happy with the players I'm coaching yet we can improve from a mental perspective. I want to see an aggressive, determined Roma tomorrow.”

What do you think of Lorenzo Pellegrini's progress?

“Pellegrini's development is coming along nicely. He's moved from Sassuolo to a big club and he's getting the right number of opportunities. He's not reached his peak yet but I know he can improve and he'll have plenty of chances to show what he can do.”

Is Emerson ready to come in and let Aleksandar Kolarov have a rest?

“I don't think he's fit enough to play from the start but he's making great strides forward. When I see the time is right he'll start but I think Kolarov will get the nod again tomorrow.”

Kevin Strootman seems to have dropped off a touch in recent weeks. How's he doing?

“If you look at the fitness data, Strootman ran more than any other player in the derby and that's very important for a midfielder. Obviously we're all used to seeing Kevin scoring or setting up a few more goals but we'll see it again. It would be nice if that happened tomorrow because he's going to start the game. I hope to see him back among the goals and producing the sort of top-quality football we've become accustomed to. He's already very strong mentally but certain experiences can help even players like him to grow. Players like Kevin inspire the others to step up their game because of the energy they put into training.”

Do you have the feeling Roma are developing into a top team?

“I sense a lot of enthusiasm and less negativity and that's great to see. You can shake off negativity by picking up good results but also by training the right way. We're good at that but we can do better as a team and we can improve our mindset further. You sometimes get put on a pedestal in Rome but we have to be aware of what we're doing and keep our feet firmly on the ground. We must never forget that.”

Some people suggested Edin Dzeko is struggling after the game against Atletico. How important is a striker like him to the sort of football you want to play?

“He plays centrally and helps the team. He wasn't at his best in the last match but I'm sure he'll soon start finding the net again – hopefully tomorrow because he'll start. Strikers don't like it when they're not scoring but he knows the team comes first. He'll soon be back among the goals if he keeps working hard and doing his bit for the team.”