Manolas: We now face two huge games in the context of the season

The Giallorossi host the Rossoneri, currently level on points and joint-second in the table, at the Stadio Olimpico, before travelling to Turin to face league leaders Juventus the following Saturday.

The two games will have a big effect on the look of the Serie A table during the winter break, and Manolas knows his side must rise to the occasion.

If things work out well over the next few weeks, Roma could be top at Christmas...

“We have to focus on one game at a time and it doesn't depend on us alone. Juve will play a match less than us [due to the Supercoppa Italia] but obviously we'd like to be in first place.”

How will you go into Monday's game against AC Milan?

“We'll go into it focused, as always. AC Milan have lots of young players who may not have all that much experience but they can certainly play. We'll know Juventus' result by then but regardless of that we need to play well and be determined to come away with the three points.”

How important was it to your season to win the derby?

“It was three big points for the league table but it also gave immense joy to our fans. It's an injection of confidence for us and it extends our unbeaten run.”

You're joint second with AC Milan so there's more than just three points on the line on Monday...

“Yes, it's important and not just for us to move ahead of the Rossoneri. We have to win it and hope Juve don't beat Torino.”

Is it fair to say that it could go a long way to determining Roma's season?

“The season is still long so it won't be decisive but yes, these two games against AC Milan and Juventus are huge.”

What's the mood like in the dressing room?

“We're feeling confident and we're really up for it. Winning the derby has given us extra motivation to pull out all the stops against Milan.”

How do you think ex-Roma man Vincenzo Montella has fared at Milan so far this season?

“At the start of the year I would never have imagined them being second in the table at this point. He's done a magnificent job with the young players he has to work with.”

Which Rossoneri player do you fear the most?

“We don't fear them. I respect everyone but if we're on our game we have no reason to fear anyone.”

Last year the game against AC Milan marked a turning point in the season as Luciano Spalletti came in afterwards...

“We weren't playing well and we were lacking confidence at the time. It's very different now. I think we have the upper hand over Milan. I really believe we're the better team and we have to prove it.”

Roma have some mighty impressive attacking stats – most goals, shots and assists in Serie A – but you've often been called into question defensively.

“We do have the best attack but that's no reason to call the defence into question. We've conceded 16 goals so far, which is much better than last year. Juve have conceded 13. And of course it's not just the defence – we attack and defend as a team.”

The fans have been really close to you recently and came to Trigoria to spur you on before the derby.

“Our fans are so important. Sadly they can't come to the stadium because of the barrier problem but they are so important to us. It does make you feel sad though: it's horrible without the fans.”

And then they came along to the Stadio Tre Fontane after the derby.

“When you see what it's like having them close by, you realise what you're missing when they're not there.”

What would it be like to play Roma v Milan in front of a full house?

“It would be great because Roma need their fans. It's been a bit sad with just 20,000 people at the Olimpico recently. Hopefully there'll be at least 40,000 for Monday's game.”

If you had to name one area for improvement, what would it be?

“The only way we can improve is by being first! We're second at the moment so if we want to improve we have to finish top. We won our Europa League group too. Our only real regret this season is that we didn't get into the Champions League.”