De Rossi: We need to keep the ball better when we have a lead

Roma were 2-0 up in the first 10 minutes at the Stadio Olimpico, but ultimately had to hold on against the Serie A strugglers as Edin Dzeko's brace and Diego Perotti's penalty ultimately proved enough to secure the victory.

The Giallorossi did not play well - something De Rossi was happy to acknowledge - but the second half substitute believes the final result was the most important thing.

“These are three big points for us," De Rossi said. "When you get off to an easy start in a game, there are always hidden dangers lurking.

"This team [Pescara] managed to draw with Napoli and has also played better than their points tally suggests. We did well in what was a tough game, winning despite difficult periods.”

Did you perhaps take too many risks tonight?

“I’ve also watched Juve several times this year. They are seen as the best team of all but they always take risks in the league. That is what Serie A is like. This game against Pescara, in the way it started, seemed like a foregone conclusion. But when you’re faced with quick and talented players, you need to be alert. If you don’t finish the game off and kill them quickly, they can come back at you and be dangerous.”

[Edin] Dzeko said that if you play like this, you’ll lose the derby. Do you agree?

“Probably, yes. But Lazio don’t play in the same way as our opponents tonight. We had many chances to make it 3-0 today. We may be trivialising things but Lazio are a stronger side than Pescara, so it’s likely we’ll have more problems if we play like this against them.”

When [Luciano] Spalletti was first manager, he often asked you to drop back, to create space to break forward. It seemed tonight that the forwards did less behind the ball. Has something changed in the way the coach works?

“You’re right. That was a different way of playing. We were dubbed as one of the best footballing sides in Europe, but we used to sit back and wait for our opponents, before launching a fatal counter attack. That team was built differently; we had attacking midfielders like [Rodrigo] Taddei and Mancini on the wings. Now we have really strong forwards, who are less capable defensively. Either way, when you are struggling, everyone needs to drop back. This will sound banal but when you’re leading and are under pressure, you need to hold onto the ball. Today we didn’t do that at all and gave them a way back into the game. As [Niels] Liedholm used to say: “If you have the ball they can’t score.” That still holds true now.”

Having played 400 Serie A games, what’s your feeling looking at the table?

“It’s really tight between second and third in the league, but first place has become attainable again. Radja [Nainggolan] said a few weeks ago that it makes no difference whether there is a four or two point gap at the top. I didn’t agree, but I think the main thing to remember is that things can change at any time. The issue was that Juve never lost. If they maintain a more human run of form then the league will be open for a while.”

Dzeko has scored goal after goal this year. Do you think you have helped him? Spalletti said that some words from yourself and [Francesco] Totti have led him to break through.

“We’ve always wanted the best for him but I think he’s got his confidence from scoring goals. He knows we’ve always been behind him. We know how much quality he has. We’re now playing a lot better, and for him too. He’s got 17 goals and it’s only November. He’s on a great run.”

You’re only one point ahead of Lazio. Will this derby be key to the fight for Champions League places?

“They’re doing really well. Lazio have strong players and are often under-estimated. I’ve always seen them as a dangerous side. They have found a balance and Sunday’s game will be really important in terms of the league standing. Perhaps previously that wasn’t always the case.”

What’s the situation regarding your contract extension?

“Nothing has changed; we’re not talking about it. My only concern is the league table. I don’t need to check it because I know how it looks. It’s better than it was yesterday and that’s what matters. Other things are not hugely important for the time being.”