Di Francesco's pre-SPAL press conference in full

The game against SPAL gets underway at 18:30 CET.

JOURNALIST: After a run of good results, the last two have been a loss and a draw. How are you preparing for this match?

DI FRANCESCO: “We cannot make any more mistakes, neither in our attitude nor our preparations for games. Everyone ahead of us is in great form and we can’t afford any more slip-ups. SPAL will come and give it a go; they’re doing the best out of the sides promoted last season. They’re dangerous in attack and have experienced players. If we start with the wrong mentality, they can hurt us.”

How is Emerson Palmieri doing?

“He’s not quite at 100% but he has come on significantly. It was important that he managed 60 minutes for the Primavera. He’s increasing his level in training and I won’t rule out using him in the next few matches.”

Will Patrick Schick get a chance from the first whistle?

“I’m pleased he’s got over his latest niggle. Even in the short time he’s played, we’ve seen how good he is. I don’t know whether he’ll start yet; I’ll make that decision after the final session today.”

Have you read Francesco Totti’s interview? He endorsed Damiano Tommasi for president of the Italian FA and Montella as Italy head coach. He also said he’d prefer Napoli to win the Scudetto above Inter and Juventus.

“I liked the bit when he talked about his son and the importance of manners and respect when raising a child, without putting too much pressure or expectation on them. I second his support for Tommasi and Montella. As for the Scudetto, I also hope it returns south, only just a bit higher. Napoli have the potential to win but I’m focusing on ourselves.”

Is Luca Pellegrini on the verge of breaking into the first-team squad?

“We already have two left-backs in Aleksandar Kolarov and Emerson. I don’t doubt he’s got great potential. He was injured during the pre-season tour of America when he could have started against some big teams. The important thing is that he trains properly. He’s a determined lad who’s keen to get involved. He’ll most likely play for the Primavera on Saturday, but the ability is there.”

It’s also Napoli v Juventus tomorrow. Do you ever envy Maurizio Sarri and Massimiliano Allegri?

“Envy is not part of my day-to-day life or my work. However, being able to manage a team for so long brings many advantages and this is coming from someone who coached a side that improved considerably over the years. It’s clear that we don’t have that wealth of work behind us. I hope they draw, so they both remain within reach.”

How did you manage the Daniele De Rossi situation, as we don’t know your approach to disciplinary matters?

“The first thing I did was give him a slap, like his on [Gianluca] Lapadula! Jokes aside, he made a mistake and it’s the first time this has happened with me. He has made a public and sincere apology. Like with any son, you shouldn’t abandon them when they’ve done wrong but help them.

"We have an internal code of conduct that I introduced and the players agreed upon. This will remain an internal matter, but there will be a punishment. We start again from scratch, paying more attention to our behaviour, ignoring some things and asking for everyone’s support. As a true Roman, he needs the support of everyone during this difficult time.”

You hinted at Schick before. Could he play alongside Edin Dzeko or as a lone striker?

“It’s easier if he plays with Dzeko.”

Cengiz Under has gone under the radar a bit. How come?

“There’s a chance he’ll play tomorrow. It’s either him or Schick and I’ll make up my mind this evening. He’s improved a lot. Those who have played in that position ahead of him so far have done very well, including [Gregoire] Defrel when he’s come on. Cengiz has always done well in training and I’m happy about that.”

Radja Nainggolan and Diego Perotti have both been training separately. Will they be involved tomorrow?

“Nainggolan won’t be selected due to a bit of muscular fatigue. He has played a lot of games not at full fitness. We have decided to bring him back into the squad on Saturday or Sunday. We’ll make the call on Perotti today as well. It’s difficult to imagine him starting, but we’ll see whether to have him on the bench or not.”

Will Lorenzo Pellegrini start tomorrow? What should we expect from him after the performance against Atletico Madrid?

“Lorenzo is 21 years old. Young players should be supported rather than questioned or attacked. He didn’t play brilliantly in Madrid, but I back his ability to the hilt. Maybe he needs to be calmer in games. I’m here to help him in this respect.”

In your most recent news conference, you spoke about needing someone capable of making the difference? Could that person be Schick? Also, might there be a change in formation?

“As for changes in formation, we’ve established that I’m not solely devoted to one system. When something is going well, however, changing it completely seems wrong to me. Better to stick with what we’re doing. Schick could be the player with that ability. I hope to make best use of him. He’ll be an added weapon to the team, all over the pitch.”