Fazio: We have to always be looking up

After a brief break at the start of the week, those Roma players not involved in international action have returned to Trigoria to continue their preparations ahead of a big run-in to the end of the season.

See what Fazio had to say when he was asked about the club's recent form, the targets for the rest of the season - along with some questions about his own life away from the game...

You have a friendly with the Primavera today. Do you want to win that one as well? Is that the secret – wanting to win all the time?

“Yes, we all need that competitive edge if we want Roma to be a great team. You should always set out to win everything. Playing against the first team is important for the Primavera lads too – it helps them grow.”

Have you ever sparked the wrath of a team-mate by going in too hard in training?

“No, I go in hard but I always stay within the limits of what's acceptable.”

Perhaps it's good for Dzeko to get used to the sort of challenges opposition defenders dish out...

“Yeah, it has to be done sometimes... [laughs]"

You've posted pictures of your wife and team-mates and trips to beautiful locations on Instagram. You went to Cinque Terre recently, didn't you?

“Yes, we went to Cinque Terre and it's a stunning place. We stopped off at Lucca on the way too. Italy is a beautiful country so I try and see bits of it whenever I get some free time.”

So you still want to travel despite all the away trips you have with Roma?

“You have to make the most of your free time to do things with your family. I like travelling and getting to know different cultures.”

They say behind every great man is a great woman. How important is it, as a footballer, to have a stable family?

“It's not easy for my wife because when we're playing twice a week we spend a lot of time away from home. But she knows and understands me and she knows when she needs to be there for me. We're together in the good times and the bad.”

How angry are you that your Europa League campaign is over?

“It's a shame because I thought we could win it this year. It's a pity but we're still in the Coppa Italia and we need to focus on that now. We must win the second leg so that we can lift a trophy.”

There's a long way still to go in the league too.

“Yes, and that's something we're all acutely aware of: the league is not over yet. We're heading into the business end of the season and these matches in the last two months of the year could be decisive. We must try to win all our remaining games.”

Has the international break come at a good time?

“Yes, it's important to take a breather every now and then. We've had lots of matches since Christmas. Now we need to rest up and get ready for a big end to the season.”

You have Empoli at home in your next match. Are these the hardest games to prepare for? Like the one against Sassuolo?

“Every game is different: for example, we played Sassuolo two days before Lyon. Now we have to concentrate solely on Empoli – the derby can wait. We must stay focused on the task at hand. At the moment it's Empoli, Empoli, Empoli.”

There's Napoli against Juve as well...

“People have asked me what would be the best result for us since second place is still in the balance, but we must always be looking up and aiming for first place. The most important thing is we beat Empoli. We've been second all year and we should be looking up, not down.”

What happened in that period when you lost three games?

“They were all tough games. It was a period when we were playing tricky matches every two or three days and it's not easy when you have lots of them together – it takes its toll on your body and your mind. The main thing is we pick ourselves up again and look ahead to the remaining 10 or 11 matches we have to play.”

What's the secret to keeping a cool head when you're out there surrounded by attacking players? You never seem to panic. Have you always been like that?

“I never panic in possession but you always feel the pressure, especially when you're playing for a team that wants to win all the time. It helps you feel alive though.”

Is there any food you really love?

“I do enjoy good food. One thing I particularly like is dulce de leche, an Argentine dessert.”

Would you be prepared to give up dulce de leche for a whole month in exchange for beating Lazio and reaching the final?

“Definitely!”