Strootman: We showed our strength in the end

After going out of the Europa League in midweek, the Giallorossi seemed to be showing the effects of that disappointment as they made a slow start at the Stadio Olimpico - but the side eventually roared back to clinch a 3-1 win as Leo Paredes, Mohamed Salah and Edin Dzeko all scored.

"After the letdown against Lyon we needed to get the three points," Strootman said. "We didn't make a good start and they performed very well in the first 15 or 20 minutes; in general they played the first half without fear.

"We've got quality, but we created few chances and yet we scored two goals despite finding it difficult. We showed our strength in the second half and we have to continue in this manner."

The team now has a brief break for international competition, which may offer a chance for some members of the squad to recover after a testing run of fixtures.

"None of us has ever said we're tired," he added. "We're professional and we need to make sure we're ready to play every three days. We've got the international break now and afterwards we have to pick up where we left off.

"We need to concentrate on second place. We want to win, but so do Napoli or AC Milan – every team wants to win. It's tough since Juventus keep on winning.

"We have to stay focused in every game and win as many points as possible."