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Stephan El Shaarawy has got off to a fast start to life in the Italian capital, becoming a real threat for the Giallorossi in the months since joining the club in the January transfer window.
On Friday the forward sat down with Sky Sports Italia to discuss the move so far, his international ambitions and the club's targets for the remainder of the season...
You're on 33 games and 12 goals for Roma now.
“I got off to an amazing start – I wasn't expecting it quite like that. I played well right from the off. This season I've been playing a bit less regularly but we're playing well as a team. We're picking up results consistently and that's important.”
Which is your favourite goal of the 12 you've scored?
“I think the first one against Frosinone: it was my debut and it felt special. Aesthetically it was nice too – it's always good to score a backheel. Then there are the ones I scored against Empoli and in the derby. I think those three were the most spectacular and the most important.”
What can you say about Luciano Spalletti?
“He showed that he believed in me even before I joined and I'm grateful to him for that. He wants me to be consistent both when attacking and defending, and maybe close down an extra opponent or two. I'm taking it all on board and he's helping me improve. There's a lot more I can learn.”
Have you closed the gap with Juve?
“We can give anyone a game – including Juve. We've made a lot of progress: we're the league's top scorers and if we keep playing as we are we'll go a long way. We just need to try and avoid any lapses in concentration over the 90 minutes. It's a long season and we've moved closer to Juve in the table. We're confident.”
Is Roma's main strength in attack?
“We've improved a lot technically and we're looking really sharp up front. [Edin] Dzeko is knocking them in regularly now and that's really important for us. We have lots of top-quality players in the squad and we're working hard to improve our concentration defensively. We have to keep it up.”
Are you ready to replace Mohamed Salah while he's away in January?
“I'm available for selection as always. Salah will be a big loss but we have other players who can come in. The boss gives all of us the chance to be an important part of the team and that's good for your confidence as a player.”
Italy head coach Giampiero Ventura has had words of praise for you.
“It was nice to hear. I hoped to get a call-up because I know he wants to try 4-2-4 but it didn't happen. I'll work hard and try to get back in next time. I'll keep doing my best for Spalletti and for Roma as always.”
Have you spoken to Ventura?
“Yes, when he came to Trigoria at the start of the season. The national team is really important to me and it means a lot to play for Italy. I played for all the Azzurri youth teams and I feel very proud whenever I get the chance to turn out for the senior side. I'll try to give my all whenever I'm called upon.”
You go to Atalanta after the break. What do you make of their start to the season?
“They have some very talented youngsters and a great coach. It's going to be hard for us in Bergamo – it's a tough place to go. But we'll head there as always looking for the three points because it's important for our season.”
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