Florenzi: I'm in the final phase of my recovery now

Alessandro Florenzi is looking forward to getting back out on the pitch at the earliest opportunity, as his recovery enters the final - and most important - phase.

The versatile Italy international is back in light training as he steps up his recovery, after suffering two cruciate ligament injuries during the previous campaign.

The second of those arrived just as he was about to complete his recovery from the first - and Florenzi admits that those experiences have led to a more restrained approach to his current recovery.

See everything he had to say when he spoke to Roma TV on Sunday morning...

We know no-one ever asks you this … but how are you?

Florenzi: “I’m fine, we have been continuing the hard work for a few months now and everything is going well. We are in the last phase, the most important one, and I have to be a bit careful. I have so much hunger, determination and desire to return as soon as possible.”

It was a unique year for you, with the birth of your daughter and then the injuries...

“It was a difficult time, I can’t deny that, especially the first month and half after the second injury which was really tough, it really left a mark. Without the help of my wife, my daughter, my family and friends I would not have managed to be here in the condition I am now. Especially with the little one, just a smile and all the pain disappears."

What are your first impressions of working with Di Francesco?

“He has arrived with a lot of enthusiasm and a great hunger, the same characteristics he had on the pitch. He is giving everything for us, we must help him to settle in him and then follow his instructions so we can be in a position to show all our qualities.”

You are a bit similar to him as a player, how much are you looking forward to adapting to his style of play?

“The new approach really intrigues me. Watching Sassuolo play was always exciting, they always seemed to know what they were doing. I cannot wait to get out on the field, although when and where is something the Mister will decide.”

How are Maxime Gonalons and the other new players?

“Gonalons is a player with a lot of personality, we all know his story. I am curious to watch Rick Karsdorp. Lorenzo Pellegrini has done a lot of great things at Sassuolo and now must give everything to help us – he knows of course that playing for Roma is not easy, but I think he can have a good season and help the squad.”

Pellegrini has taken a similar path to you…

“For young players to find playing time is not easy, and you tend to make mistakes in a few games. It is one thing to do that at Crotone, another at Roma. I think it’s good to have experiences at other places, it helps you grow as a man and a footballer.”

What season do you expect, given it’s the first with four Champions League places available in Serie A?

“I think it’s right that Italy has four qualification spots in the Champions League. We have a lot of teams at a high level. Milan have reinforced and have a top trainer: they will be competitive. Napoli have a great spirit, they will have a strong campaign, and we will have to be ready to give everything we have out on the pitch. We want to continue with this squad, we are strong squad, but we have to make it count on the pitch and in training – not with words.”

Did you say anything to Emerson after his injury?

“I was there and I knew, more or less [that it was bad]. I went inside telling him to stay calm, whatever the verdict was. He had also just been called to the national team. Three or five months would not have changed his trajectory, you have to just concentrate on being strong – as happened to me twice. You just have to stay calm and follow your personal recovery plan.”

When the fixture list comes out, will you be able to circle the day you will be back?

“I think I have a date, more or less, but you can’t get ahead of yourself. Before the second injury I wanted to attack everything to get back. Now, more so, I’m trying to be restrained. The results so far are the right ones.”