Fazio: Spalletti is determined to instill a winning mentality

Speaking to Sky Sports Italia on Thursday, the Argentine spoke about how comfortable he feels playing in Italy - and the impact coach Luciano Spalletti has had on the mindset of the group.

What's been the biggest surprise for you in these first few months in Italy?

“I've been surprised by how well organised all the teams are from a tactical point of view. I think it's even more noticeable because I've come from England: the Premier League is different and much less tactical.”

Did you expect to become such an important player for Roma so quickly?

“It all comes down to the confidence the coach, the club and your team-mates show in you – that makes a big difference to a footballer. I'm really very happy here.”

You won the Europa League several times with Sevilla. Do you think Roma can go on and win the competition this year?

“I do, yes. We like the Europa League and we want to win it. If we do then we're guaranteed a place in the Champions League next season. We have to play Villarreal first, though. They're a good side but we have to believe we can win the trophy.”

You played with Diego Perotti at Sevilla and now the pair of you are together again at Roma.

“I joined Sevilla six months before he did and we spent seven years there together. He's a very good friend of mine, both on the pitch and away from the game.”

Why do Roma struggle more away from home?

“Apart from the draw against Cagliari, we lost to an Atalanta side who were on top form – in a similar game to what we can expect against Genoa on Sunday – and Juventus, which is one you can always lose. We have to focus on Sunday now and get the three points.”

What did you make of Gonzalo Higuain's goal in Turin?

“It was a shame because the match had only just started and it changed the momentum of the game. I've met Gonzalo before on international duty. We just have to turn our attentions to Sunday now and concentrate on winning the next one.”

Do you still believe you can win the Scudetto?

“Of course we can. We've got 38 points and there are loads of games left to play. We have to win on Sunday to reach the midway point on 41 points, which would be a great return. We have to keep on Juventus' tails and keep believing because they can't win them all.”

One of the players you'll be up against in Genoa is former Roma player Nico Burdisso...

“I know him from the Argentina set-up too. We played in the same position and I was young at the time whereas he had loads of experience and he helped me. He's a great guy.”

What's impressed you most about Luciano Spalletti?

“He works on so many different aspects, along with the rest of the coaching staff. The most important thing is that he wants to win – not just one game but the league. He instills that idea in his players and you feel it. He drums it into us in training. We feel it and we want to put his training-ground instructions into practice as best we can during games. We want to win.”

Having spent time at Sevilla and Tottenham, do you think Roma are on a par with those two clubs?

“People who have been here for a few years tell me there have been some big changes and I think you can see that with the coach and the club. Everyone wants to win the league – every last person who works here. We're the public face that people see in matches and we want to win by giving our all for this club.”

How are you finding life in Rome?

“I'm really happy here. I've got Italian roots because my granddad was born in Erice in Sicily before moving to Argentina. I love it and not just now that I'm living here – it was the same even before. I've always felt at home in Italy. The food is very similar to Argentine cuisine too. I love pasta and pizza but perhaps my favourite of all is ice-cream.”