Fazio: The whole team has improved this season

Fazio, dubbed 'Il Comandante' by teammate Emerson Palmieri after some dominant individual displays, has gained widespread praise since becoming a starter for the Giallorossi, and has received much of the credit for the team's improved defensive display.

But the Argentine insists that he has not been the only reason for the recent success, and that a collective team effort is the real secret.

“I'm happy playing in a back three or a back four which becomes three when we're in possession," he told Italian football show Ultimo Uomo ('The Last Man'). "The gaffer always knows which is the best system – the right system – for us to play depending on our opponents. I don't have a favourite position.

"I like playing in the middle but I played left centre-back against AC Milan and Lazio, for example, and Inter and Napoli too."

He added: “I'm not the only one who's improved since we played Fiorentina earlier in the season – the whole team has improved, and in lots of ways. When you improve individually, you grow together as a team too. You grow in confidence and trust each other more."

Fazio also revealed that Rome was where he decided to propose to his now-wife, on a previous trip.

“I came to Rome seven years ago with Diego [Perotti]," Fazio said, when asked about his history with the city. "Then he joined Roma and I came here to visit – that was the weekend I asked my wife to marry me!”