Paredes focused on showing Spalletti what he can do

Leandro Paredes says he is responding well to Luciano Spalletti's pre-season experiment with using him as the shield in front of the back four.

The Argentine midfielder played there for Empoli last season and has revealed that he is feeling increasingly comfortable in that position as he tries to prove his worth to the boss.

"Spalletti is trying me out in front of the defence, which is where I played at Empoli last season," Paredes told reporters after training on Monday. "Last year was the first time I'd played there but I liked it straight away and hope to continue in this way."

How is the work going in pre-season?

"We're working really well. We're trying to improve our fitness and tactical ability."

The squad has been boosted since the training camp in Pinzolo...

"Yes, the internationals have come back so now we're all together and our only focus is on work."

You did a lot of work on free kicks after training here in Boston. How's it going?

"It's going well. The coach asked me to take some and I like taking free kicks so I gave it a go. Manuel Iturbe, Stephan El Shaarawy and I were all trying to improve our technique."

There's been a lot of talk about your future...

"What can I say? I'm a Roma player and that's the only thing I'm thinking about."

How do you see the league season ahead, with Juventus having strengthened so much?

"I'd say that Roma also have a strong side. We just have to work hard at improving every day. That's the way forward."