Rudiger: The whole defence is doing their bit

The Giallorossi won 1-0 thanks to Edin Dzeko's goal, confirming their recent upturn in defensive performances. And Rudiger was quick to praise the work of all the defenders who have been called up by Luciano Spalletti so far this season.

"It’s really a different Roma defence this season and I’m very happy about [how we are doing]," Rudiger said. "I have to say compliments to everyone in the defence, whoever it is - Fazio, Manolas, Vermaelen, Jesus, me - we are all doing a great job – and yes, I’m happy about that!"

He added: "It was a good result for us tonight because Juventus also won, so we did our job tonight. I’m very happy for everyone."

It was not the easiest night for Rudiger, who started off as the left-sided defender in a three-man defence, before Spalletti soon switched to a four-man backline that featured him at right-back.

Then in the second half the unit reverted back to how they started - with Rudiger providing the decisive cross for Dzeko's goal from that position.

"I don’t know why the coach changed so much the positions," Rudiger noted. "First I was centre-back left and then right-back but at the end it all helps [us win].

"I made my assist and we won the game 1-0, so he made everything correct."