De Rossi: We need to show we deserve second

The finish confirmed an important three points for the Giallorossi, as they moved back ahead of Napoli in the race for second in Serie A.

"We knew how important it was today and it had been a while since we were last behind Napoli," De Rossi said. "We know we deserve second place much like we perhaps haven't done enough to finish top.

"We knew how much this match was important in terms of that because it's never easy to win in Milan."

Another win at San Siro...

"It's not easy to be seven points behind a team who have shown that they arguably have the greatest mental strength in European football. Occasionally people underestimate our approach on the pitch and our mentality. To record so many points and keep in touch with Juventus you need a team that can win on the road, play good football, defend and prepare matches well. At times we've put in bad performances whereas there have been others where we've played well but not got what we deserved.

"AC Milan came out before kick-off and, despite the fact they're sixth, I heard their support, which made me think back to the side I played when I first used to come to this ground. Hearing them get behind their players who are sixth in the table made me think about the atmosphere we experience in Rome, not at the stadium per se, but in terms of this season in particular. It's not really fair given what the team is producing."

How did it feel to see that effigy of you hanging near the Colosseum?

"When I first saw it, it wasn't nice by any means. You try to stay calm and they explained to me how the tifos come about and the various responses to them. It wasn't a nice image but I must confess in all the years I've been playing football, I've never once felt in danger in my city, which is home to both Roma and Lazio fans. Had I felt at risk in any way, I'd have left."

Francesco Totti got a massive reception tonight. How did you see it?

"When people were talking about a Kobe Bryant-esque season, I thought Francesco would have just been booed. It's different in Italy, there's more rivalry. But that shows how great he is, only he can receive an ovation like that at every ground. It's incredible, he doesn't even need to play. That proves what a great footballer he is and we're lucky to play with him."