Szczesny: Four wins from four is the target

The loss at the Stadio Olimpico means the Giallorossi are now just one point ahead of Napoli in the standings, with four important games remaining.

Szczesny acknowledges it will be a tough run-in for the club, but is confident Luciano Spalletti's side can fend off Napoli's challenge.

“In football, points are the most important thing," Szczesny told Sky Sports Italia. "We’re one point ahead of them after 34 games. It’s not a big gap, but it’s a gap and I think we can maintain it.

"Given the quality in our team, I think we can get 12 points from our last four games. We can come second – I’m optimistic.”

The Poland international admitted that the loss to Lazio at the weekend had been tough to take.

“It’s always disappointing when you lose an important match," Szczesny noted. "It was a tough defeat but we need to keep going and prepare for our next game. For me, the next match is always the most important one."

On that next game, against AC Milan this weekend, he added: “We’re Roma so we can beat any team. We’re expecting a difficult match against a young, talented side that I think has done quite well this season. It’s a vital match for us that we need to be winning.”

Szczesny was also asked about the future of club captain Francesco Totti.

“It’s a source of great pride for me to play with a player like him," he said. "I used to watch him on TV when I was a kid. It’s a big responsibility too – for any Roma player, having Totti in the dressing room hammers home the responsibility you have to play well.

"When he retires it will be difficult for the club, but we’ll need to continue doing our job. We all know that he’ll always be one of us and that helps.”