Di Francesco's pre-Inter press conference in full

Coach Eusebio Di Francesco sat down with the media on Friday to preview the club's first home game of the new campaign against Inter Milan.

The Giallorossi kick off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20:45 CEST on Saturday - in a game that sees former manager Luciano Spalletti return to the club.

Both sides are looking to kick off following victories on the opening day, with Roma producing a 1-0 win away to Atalanta.

"I definitely expect a better performance in terms of the football we play," Di Francesco said. "I think our display showed greater character. We’ve had an excellent week and we’ll see what the outcome is tomorrow night.

"I expect us to perform better particularly going forward.”

Tomorrow sees your first big match of the campaign. What dangers lie ahead?

“I must say that Luciano Spalletti did an excellent job in the opening game. Inter have clear ideas and they really move the ball nicely. They made a terrific start to proceedings which saw them take a 2-0 lead and made life easier for them. That said, they also have big, quality players, especially up front and in wide areas. I really liked their midfield shape because they were constantly on the move and never in the same position twice.”

What similarities are there between you and Spalletti and how do you two differ as coaches?

“People are only drawing parallels at this moment in time and that’s only natural. All I will say is tomorrow it’s Roma v Inter which is the most important thing. You don’t need me to tell you about Spalletti. He’s a top coach with a lot of experience. I’m younger and I’ve tried to pinch things from the best coaches, him included. He’s an example in football. On a personal level, we have a very good relationship having worked together in the past.”

Could [Kostas] Manolas and Juan Jesus potentially deputise on the right?

“We still have one more training session to go and I will make a decision on that today. There’s been a lot of speculation but we can’t change this team in the space of five days. It will take time as it is to get to grips with what I want and we’d make life even harder for ourselves if we made too many changes. As I’ve said though, I’ll make a final call on that today.”

Would you rather win the match against Inter tomorrow or beat them to the signing of [Patrik] Schick? What’s your take on the Champions League group?

“I’m not thinking about the transfer window – it’s all about Inter for me. I want three points so we can go into the two-week break in the best possible frame of mind to keep building. Our Champions League group is tough and we expected as much having been drawn in Pot 3. I am confident however and I like to be optimistic. We can compete. We have what it takes and this side can only get better.”

Would you take it if we offered you the chance to equal Spalletti’s record points tally from last term?

“I really believe that the same tally, given that the league is more competitive, would be a significant achievement and perhaps even be enough to win the Scudetto. I could say yes in that case. However, we want to do even better, perhaps with fewer points but ultimately achieve something significant. Your points tally is always relative as it depends on the standard of the league as a whole.”

All eyes will be on [Radja] Nainggolan tomorrow night. He wasn’t called up to the Belgium national team today, do you think that could fire him up for tomorrow?

“He always looked motivated to me. He has some tremendous attributes and he can only get better, in terms of his fitness levels too. The squad have had to deal with a heavy workload and their fitness levels will gradually get better. I’m disappointed that he wasn’t named in the Belgium squad. I don’t know why that is but I hope he puts in a great performance and plays a big part.”

Are Roma a better side than the one you took over when you first signed?

“Lots of new players have come since I signed the contract in the middle of the transfer window. I really enjoy coaching this group of players and obviously I’d be even happier if we got better. I really believe this team can achieve great things, starting tomorrow.”

Spalletti has said that they have to keep working to get to your level. Was that just mind games?

“I don’t know what he meant by that. I try to focus a lot more on my team. I know Inter are on great form and I enjoyed their performance against Fiorentina but tomorrow night will be a different proposition.”

Spalletti has said that he’d like to see [Alessandro] Florenzi at right-back. How’s he doing? Are you surprised by Juan Jesus’ performance levels?

“I will definitely name Florenzi in my squad and I’d pick him to start if I could. He hasn’t been training with us for long and still isn’t 100% fit but you never know if he could come in handy off the bench. I too hope to see him out there playing given the tough time he’s had of late. I haven’t been surprised by Juan Jesus – he’s been very willing, he’s keen to improve and show that he belongs at this level. I’m delighted with what he’s been producing but, just like everyone else, he mustn’t settle. He still has huge room for improvement.”

You strung together two wonderful performances this time last year against Crvena Zvezda and Athletic Club. Is it simply a matter of time before Roma start playing like that?

“The players were moving like a well-oiled machine because we’d been doing the same things for years. We began our training camp on that occasion on 27 June with the whole group available, whereas I left with Roma on 16 July with the whole group and, what’s more, we travelled around the world. But I knew that coming in. As for our shape, I won’t box my players in and just insist on playing the way I like to. They have the ability to make the right decisions on the pitch from the many options I give them. We need more time for the learning process and our fitness levels. We’re making progress. The lads buy into my ideas and that’s what matters most.”

How is [Hector] Moreno? Could he be involved tomorrow?

“I won’t discuss my team even though he could be involved. He’s getting there, he went to the Confederations Cup and hasn’t had a full summer off. He struggled a bit initially and he must adapt to Italy which is unlike Holland where people tend to attack opponents one on one. He’s a very intelligent player. It’s still the start of the season and no one is out of favour, nor is anyone in my good books per se. I’m keeping tabs on all the players’ progress and Moreno is improving in terms of my footballing philosophy.”

How is [Rick] Karsdorp?

“We’ve respected the timeframe on his recovery from the operation and he’s on the mend. He’s nearly able to do everything. I hope to see him in action against Chapecoense next Friday and I hope the ground will be full for that fixture too. That’s the target we’ve set in the hope that he’s available for the trip to Sampdoria.”

Do you think you need to ask the fans to be patient with you? How will it feel to lead the team out at home for the first time?

“Roma is what matters most, not [Eusebio] Di Francesco. I really believe the supporters will help us out even when the going gets tough. I work hard and think I’m giving 100% to the team. Obviously I don’t like people who judge you before you can prove yourself and things should be assessed when the time is right. I know the club and I’m very relaxed. Roma is what matters tomorrow and Roma want to get three points. I don’t represent myself, I represent AS Roma. I don’t have to defend anyone, I protect Roma’s best interests and I’m proud to do so.”

Tomorrow you will lead Roma out at the Olimpico for the first time. How are you feeling and how will you spend tonight?

“It’s very exciting, like nothing else, especially for some who spent time at this club as a player and is now back as head coach. The first time is always special and I hope we’re happy come full time. All I ask the players is to give everything to try and win the game and build some momentum