Bruno Peres interview: We must build on Inter display at Napoli

Ahead of Saturday's visit to face Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo, Bruno Peres sat down with Roma's Match Programme to speak about the contest.

The full-back, a summer signing from Torino, believes Maurizio Sarri's side will be strong even without injured striker Arkadiusz Milik - but believes Roma will take the momentum from their last game against Inter Milan and take the game to their opponents on Saturday.

See what the Brazilian had to say below.

The season only started two months ago and we're still figuring some things out. Who are the strongest outfits?

"Of course, we know it's only just begun and nothing has been decided but you've got Juventus, Napoli and ourselves. These teams have all begun the season well."

All the talk is as if Juventus have already won the title. Maurizio Sarri even declared it after Atalanta v Napoli...

"I don't think so, I believe the competition is still wide open. We're still at the start and we have to work very hard and try to do well because the league season will be done and dusted only after the final match."

What kind of contest are you expecting at the Stadio San Paolo?

"We know how difficult it is to play in that stadium against such a strong side. We have to roll up our sleeves and try to play at our best because we have a tough game in store for us on Saturday. Nevertheless, we want to win."

How big a loss is Arkadiusz Milik's injury to Napoli?

"It's a big loss for them because he's a great player, very strong, but the way they play is a bit different and even without him they're a frightening prospect. We have to try to put in a superb performance."

If you could remove one player from the Napoli line-up, who would you pick?

"No one. You can take away whomever you like, but the guy who comes in is equally strong. They have loads of top players. We have to try to take them out of the game."

How do you plan on doing that?

"Neutralising their 11 players on the pitch by working hard and marking well in order to get the victory."

Do you see a lot of Sarri in the way Napoli play?

"He's an excellent coach and I think he's doing a great job. He's able to make his players understand exactly how they have to play."

Napoli are going into this game on the back of a defeat against Atalanta, their first of the season. Might that have an influence?

"Yes, they've had the international break like us and when your last outing was a defeat you want to get the win by any means possible when it starts up again. This is a positive for us because as they try to attack, they'll lose balance so we can hit them on the counter and get the result this way."

Roma, on the other hand, are feeling positive again after the win against Inter. What went well on that occasion?

"I think we saw a difference in our team spirit. We had the right attitude of a team that wants to win. This is the real Roma, not that we were missing something before – there's always been the desire to do well – but we put everything into the game against the Nerazzurri. We need to do even more, we know it's necessary to carry on working. We have a great squad and we have to climb as high up the league table as possible."

Was the game against Inter your best performance so far?

"I think so. I made an assist and managed to help out my team-mates. I'm pleased that it was a positive performance both for me and everyone in the team."

Roma are still looking for their first away victory.

"It's always tough playing away from home but we're Roma and Roma have to try to win every match. We know this is no easy task but we have to give it a shot anyway because it's very important for us."

In a previous interview, you mentioned how Luciano Spalletti had asked you to improve in defence. How's progress been?

"Yes, it's true I have to get better, not only in defence but also in attack. I believe you always have to try and improve; that's the kind of person I am. As time goes past, I'm understanding more and more exactly how the gaffer wants me to play and how he wants things to be done. I believe I've still got a long way to go before I can call myself a top player."