Moreno: We know we have to fight for every ball

Gian Piero Gasperini's side will be no pushovers - after finishing an impressive fourth in 2016-17 - and will be looking to pick up where they left off in front of their fans in Bergamo.

Moreno, who could make his Serie A debut in the game, is well aware that the Giallorossi will have to be at their best in all areas.

“It will be hard because Atalanta are a great team," he said. "They were Serie A's surprise package last term and did so well they earned a place in the Europa League this year. But I believe Roma have the players, the attributes and the mentality to go there and win.

"We'll fight for every ball and look to play good football. Hopefully we'll come away with a good result.”

What do you know about Atalanta's players?

“I know Papu Gomez – he's an amazing player. He's done so well he even got called up to the Argentina national team. The other day when we were in Spain I was watching their game against Valencia and I saw a guy I used to play against, [Hans] Hateboer, playing on the right with five across. And they have two really big guys up front, so it will be difficult.

"They play with such intensity, fighting for every ball and working for each other. They're a really good, united team so that makes it difficult for everybody and for us it will be the same. But with the quality of players we have I'm sure we can match them."

What do you think of Eusebio Di Francesco's football?

“The system Di Francesco uses is not a problem for me. It doesn't matter if we play 4-3-3 or 3-4-3. What matters is you get to know your team-mates, gel and develop an understanding. Di Francesco has his own football philosophy and his own way of preparing for matches but what matters when we're on the pitch is we play as a team, stay tight as a unit and all pull in the same direction.”

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a defender and where do you think you still have room for improvement?

“I can improve everything – I don't think there's any area where I can say I've peaked. I try to improve every single day, be it my ball skills, my vision, pace or power. I try to talk to people who can help me grow. I have it clear in my mind that I have to work hard and get better every day.

"I don't like to talk much about my strengths; I just try to show what I can do when I'm on the pitch. If there's one thing I think I do well, it's building play from the back. I think I can be useful in a team with a coach like Di Francesco who likes to play attacking football and start moves from the back.”