#AskDiFra: The coach on his Roma memories, Florenzi's position, his aims and more

With just over a week to go until the new campaign gets underway, supporters are evidently eager to learn more about Di Francesco's methods and his approach to the game.

Earlier in the week we asked you to submit your questions to the boss and, after collecting the best of them, he sat down to work through them.

See what he had to say on a variety of topics in the interview below.

Hi coach! How long had you been hoping to come back to Roma to try and steer the club to glory?

Di Francesco: “I think I followed the right career path to be able to aspire to coach the club that has given me more than any other. I'm proud to coach Roma because I loved my time here as a player and enjoyed success too. I hope to do the same now that I'm back here in a different role.”

What's changed since you were at Roma as a player?

”A lot! First of all, the role I have now is totally different and it means I have to look at all aspects of the club. As a player, you tend just to focus on what's immediately around you. A lot of things have changed from an organisational perspective but I think it's all for the better.”

Which match from your time as a player do you remember most fondly?

“It has to be the derby in 1998-99 that finished 3-3. We'd lost the last four derbies before that and found ourselves 3-1 down. I scored the goal that sparked a brilliant comeback, with Francesco Totti then grabbing the equaliser. We picked ourselves up after that and got the better of them in the derbies that followed. It's a game I'll never forget.”

Where are you thinking of using Alessandro Florenzi?

“He's got this fantastic ability to adapt to whatever position you put him in and I'll try to exploit that talent. But regardless of where players can play, they should each have a clear position. Alessandro is a different sort of player. I'll assess things over the coming weeks.”

Do you have any advice for young players?

“Do everything with great passion and humility and aim to keep improving all the time regardless of your ability.”

What's your best Roma memory?

“I've already mentioned my goal against Lazio but I think winning the Scudetto is something you never forget, even though I didn't play much because I was sidelined for a long time through injury. It's unforgettable because we haven't won many league titles at Roma and being a part of something like that as a player is unique.”

How do you think Serie A has changed in the last 10 years? Is it better or worse now?

“If you listen to the previous generation, Serie A is always getting worse - 10 or 20 years ago I used to hear the same thing. I think football has evolved and we need to evolve with it. Italian football has lost a few world-class players but we're getting them back slowly. I think one area where we've improved is the importance we place on youth nowadays – that's good for Italian football.”

What are your initial targets for the season?

“To get off to a strong start, give the team an identity and try to win games – which is what matters at the end of the day – while creating enthusiasm around the team. It's up to us to pull people along with us.”

What's your opinion of Video Assistant Referees?

“I like the idea but we need to see how it goes. We should welcome them but I think there'll still be problems and mistakes.”

What do you think of Gerson?

“He's a player I had my eye on when I was at Sassuolo. Juventus and Barcelona were after him but Roma got him in the end. He didn't fully express his ability last season but he's got fantastic potential and I hope to help him fulfil it.”

What's your favourite food?

“Now that I'm back in Rome, it's gricia [pasta with cured pork jowl and pecorino]. When I'm in Pescara it's arrosticini [skewered mutton].”

How do you feel about playing in the Champions League?

“I'm really looking forward to it. It'll be a new experience for me. I got the chance to play in the Europa League with a small club like Sassuolo and it will be a big step up but I'm calm about it. I want my team to go into the competition determined to do well, without setting any specific targets, and face each game full of enthusiasm.”