Emerson: I like to think I've changed a few minds

Emerson Palmieri has enjoyed a hugely productive season for Roma so far - bouncing back from the disappointment of a Champions League red card to become a key wide player for Luciano Spalletti.

A regular presence on the teamsheet at the moment, the Brazilian has garnered praise for his dynamic performances down the left for the Giallorossi - the youngster offering a lot to in his team both in defence and attack as he grows increasingly comfortable with Spalletti's tactical system.

Emerson sat down with Italian paper Leggo to discuss his season so far...

You've gone from the Porto disaster to an outstanding performance against Genoa. What's changed?

“This is who I really am. I had a bad game against Porto – well, two – but it can happen to anyone. If Roma wanted me, if [Walter] Sabatini signed me and if [Luciano] Spalletti picks me, I must have something about me.”

The coach clearly believes in you.

“I got on fine with Rudi Garcia but he opted for other players when he picked the team. No one's going to be happy about that. With Spalletti it was different right from the start: he always showed he believed in me and that's important to a footballer.”

When did you get the feeling you'd turned the corner?

“After the match against Palermo.”

Palermo were clearly in your destiny. And to think that [Palermo owner Maurizio] Zamparini wrote you off saying you didn't have the character...

“Those words of his hurt. Perhaps he's changed his mind now...”

Is there an area of your game you know you need to improve?

“You have to keep improving all the time.”

What about your heading? How's that?

“Yes, you're right. I do need to work on that.”

Perhaps you could ask Federico Fazio for a few pointers...

“He's amazing. Our commander. When I see the ball going his way I'm relaxed. In any case, I need to improve my tactical awareness too.”

One area where you have no problem is shooting, although we haven't seen that many efforts from you so far.

“You're right. I should try my luck more. The coach is always telling me to do that and Sabatini too.”

Do you still speak to him?

“Sure, he's the one who wanted me at Roma. He often texts me. He's like a footballing father to me.”

But Sabatini also signed Mario Rui in your position and he's fit again now. What does that mean?

“Mario is a great player and a great guy. He's always offering me advice and helping me. Roma need to have options in every position. He'll get his chance.”

Which of your team-mates have you been impressed by?

“[Francesco] Totti defies classification. He's out of this world and there's nothing more to say. I didn't know quite how good [Radja] Nainggolan was and I've been surprised by [Leo] Paredes' ability.”

What do you need to catch up with Juventus?

“Not much, in my opinion. It's just the small details that make the difference and we saw that when we played them in Turin. We're still in the running for the title and we have the reverse fixture to play.”

What about the Europa League and Coppa Italia?

“They're both real targets of ours. We want to win something.”

Have you ever played with the Curva Sud full?

“Only as opponent, unfortunately. Hopefully I'll see what it's like to have the fans behind us before long.”

Have you ever thought about leaving?

“Lots of things crossed my mind when I was sad. But as I've said to my family, I left Brazil to come here and be a success.”

You didn't come by yourself though, did you?

“My girlfriend Isadora is a massive help to me. She's a fitness freak and she gives me dietary advice too. We love it here in Rome, going around in the centre. It's nice to see how passionate the fans are – they're even more so since the derby!

In the summer we go to the beach, to the Playa del Mar in Torvaianica, which is this little Brazilian corner. Gerson comes along with us too – he's a friend. Give him time and you won't be disappointed.”