Di Francesco: We don't want to put any limits on our aims

Both capital sides are in the early running in Serie A, chasing hot on the heels of current leaders Napoli. And, while resisting any big proclamations, Di Francesco wants his squad to see how far they can go as the campaign starts to hit its stride.

“We don’t want to put limits on our aims, we want to do what we can to move as high [up the table] as possible for as long as possible,” Di Francesco told Mediaset. “Napoli are an excellent team, but the team to beat is still Juventus.”

He added: “Roma are improving, it’s a shame the international break arrived when it did but that it is part of the game. We hope to pick up where we left off.”

The international break means Di Francesco will not have long to work with some of his key players as he looks to prepare for Saturday’s city showdown, his first derby as Roma’ boss.

“Over the past few days we have be working with the players that are here,” he added. “When you train a top squad you know that a lot of players are going to go with their national teams, it forces some changes but it is also a source of pride.

"We have a bit less time to prepare for the derby, but it is like this for the other sides at our level.

“It’ll will be a game between two sides high in the standings, and I want to congratulate Simeone Inzaghi because he has done a great job. Beyond all the technical and tactical aspects, he has a great ability to keep the group working together in an environment that isn’t always easy.”

Di Francesco will be able to speak from personal experience when he addresses the players ahead of the derby, having played and scored during the fixture during his playing days.

“I remember a few things,” he added. “The first time I played in a derby, we all came out under the Curva before the game. I never went week in the knees before a game, but that time I did.

"It’s a unique emotion: it has never been a match like all the others.”