Schick has high hopes for Dzeko partnership

The Czech international, a summer signing from Sampdoria, saw his first few months with the Giallorossi disrupted by injury - but now hopes those days are behind him, as he aims to repay the faith shown in him by the club.

The 21-year-old believes he and Edin Dzeko have the potential to form the most dangerous strike partnership in Serie A - but knows he must work his way back to full match sharpeness before that can happen.

“The last time I completed 90 minutes was in June, so of course I was happy to play on Sunday," Schick told Sky Sport Italia on Thursday. "I felt good out on the pitch.

"I had to stop playing for two months this season, so I still need to train a lot to get better and fitter. But I felt good out there and I’m pleased.”

Where are you physically at the moment: 70%? 80%?

“I don’t think it’s wise to talk about percentages, but I’m getting a lot better. It’s not easy to play after two months on the sidelines. I need to do a bit more work in this regard. But so far the progress has been good.”

What has been the hardest moment, and the best moment, during these last few monhts?

“The hardest was when I was injured, because when you are out you can’t really do anything – you need to work in the gym and just wait to be able to return to the pitch. The best was the first time I arrived in Rome and all the fans were there to welcome me at the airport: that was incredible.”

How have you found Rome so far? Who do you spend time with?

“I’ve found it great: I’m here in the capital with my girlfriend and we are happy. Maybe I speak the most with Edin [Dzeko], because he speaks my native language well and so we understand each other better.”

How is your understanding on the pitch developing with Edin?

“When we were out on the pitch together for a few minutes in Verona, I played out on the flank and I thought we worked well. For me it’s a little bit different compared to when I was out there as the main striker, because out wide I had a bit more time on the ball.”

Could Schick-Dzeko potentially be the strongest strike-force in Serie A?

“Maybe yes, but we have to show that out on the pitch.”

What do you think you can do in the league for Roma?

“I’m a forward and my aim is always to score goals.”

What do you think the squad is missing to push on further, perhaps a bit more aggression?

“Maybe, for me it’s hard to say. When you have luck on your side the goals seem to come every way, but when you don’t have it everything is a lot harder. In training we are working very hard to improve our cutting edge around goal: we have to continue doing this. We know it’s the right path."

Is it a burden that you are the record signing for the club – or a motivation?

“It’s a great motivation: I don’t want to disappoint anyone and I will do everything I can in this regard. I’m here because I believe in the philosophy and ambition of the coach and the club.

"We are always improving and can be in the hunt for the Scudetto. Of course that is the objective.”