Fazio: We have to believe that we can win something

The Argentine defender put in another resilient performance as the Giallorossi kept a clean sheet, and believes his team must set their sights as high as possible in 2017.

See what Fazio had to say in the transcript below...

Federico, you've looked so calm and solid ever since you joined.

"Yes, that's how I approach the game. Sure, occasionally I go in hard on the pitch but it's great for us footballers to see the game like that."

It was a tough match yesterday but Roma played well.

"Yes, Genoa is a tough place to go and the pitch wasn't in great nick. But we had to win at all costs and three points are crucial at the moment in terms of our league campaign. We played as we needed to and were ready for the battle. It was nice to see the whole team working as a unit towards a common goal."

Until recently people claimed Roma were nice to watch but lacked a nasty streak. Are you more solid now?

"The coach really stresses that. He asks us to have that edge, to be united and stick together. It wasn't easy to show the right approach against a team like Genoa who have beaten Juventus, AC Milan and Fiorentina at their place. It was tricky but we showed it's not just about playing football - you have to scrap too. We must push on from this."

What did you make of Wojciech Szczesny's save from Lucas Ocampos late on?

"Szczesny did brilliantly. There were two minutes to go and it was virtually the last kick of the game. It would have been a shame had we drawn but thankfully Szczesny did well and that proved once again that we were all together in our efforts to secure three points."

Give us your assessment at the halfway point of the season.

"We picked up 41 points from the first half of the campaign. We could have got more but we dropped points like at Cagliari. The same goes for Empoli although that was an unusual match because their keeper made some incredible saves. We could have played better on other occasions and we can do more in the second half of the season - provided we're united like we were yesterday. The Scudetto is still possible - there are lots of points to play for. We must target the league title but take things one game at a time, looking to secure three points every time."

Roma operate with both a three-man defence and flat back four. Which suits you better?

"We've changed system regularly in the league. The coach is good at preparing the best possible tactical shape based on our opponents. He studies for games well and you can tell."

What do Roma need to win something?

"I think initially we just lacked that habit of winning every game. The team must get used to winning constantly. We have to see that as normal in our minds. We must believe in ourselves. Not just the players but the fans and everyone working here too. We need to believe that we can win something - be it Serie A or the Europa League, which is a great competition."

On the subject of the Europa League. What sort of challenge is it? What did it mean to you and Sevilla when you won it?

"It's a great tournament. Winning it five times in the last 10 years allowed Sevilla to make the step up, not only in terms of mentality but also the football they produce. You only need to look at the La Liga table, where Sevilla are second behind Real Madrid. That's what winning this competition gives you. The Europa League would be a good way of winning something and we have to do so. It would amazing for me to win it three times. Plus it allows you to play in the Champions League the following season."

One of the standout images from yesterday was when you signalled to your team-mates to come together after you took the lead. Do you as a team still need to realise just how good you are?

"We need to believe in ourselves. When we scored, given that it was an own goal, some of the lads didn't feel like celebrating. But we won thanks to that goal and we have to celebrate it like the best strike ever."