Perotti targetting a title challenge

Diego Perotti is confident Roma can mount a serious challenge for the Scudetto this season.

The Argentine forward, who joined the club in January, helped the Giallorossi surge up the table and vie for second place last term, before ultimately finishing third on the final day of the season.

Now he believes Roma can pick up where they left off and aim for the Serie A summit.

"Personally I expect us to be making a serious challenge for the title after the way we ended the season last year,” the 27-year-old told journalists at a press conference on Thursday.

“This team is capable of doing that. We can fight with Juventus, Inter, AC Milan and anyone else for that top spot. I really believe in this team.”

You've just started pre-season training. Has Luciano Spalletti said anything to you in particular?

“I've been here for five months but going through pre-season with the rest of the team is a big advantage because you get a better understanding of what the coach wants. Spalletti hasn't said anything in particular, we've only had one game and I don't know if I'll be playing in the same position as I did last year or out wide – that's up to him. I'm happy to play anywhere; I just want to play.”

What are Spalletti's pre-season training methods like?

"Every coach is different, every coach has his own way of doing things on the pitch and in the gym. I like his way of working. We're training well both with the ball and in the gym. The training camp is going well and it's not over yet because we still have to go to America. The start of the season is some way off but I'm sure that by the time we get there we'll be well prepared tactically and physically.”

In just a few short months you developed into something of a leader. Do you feel that responsibility on your shoulders?

“I like to play and feel important and above all I like to help. I'm here to do my bit for the team. I was lucky to get the chance to play as soon as I joined and I wasn't expecting it but I have a long way to go before I can become a leader or an idol here – I've only played 16 games so far.”

You scored quite a few goals last season. How much of that was down to Spalletti's playing style?

“I've always said that I need to be scoring more goals. I'm an attacking player so I should score more. I need to improve that aspect of my game. I work on hitting the net in training and in matches, although I prefer to set up my team-mates. But honestly I do expect to score more goals.”

What do you think of Kevin Strootman?

"When I was asked who I'd been most surprised by I said Kevin. Knowing how long he was out for and seeing him train as if none of it had happened – that really surprised me. He trains as if he's never been away. I think he's a key player for us: his leadership skills are there for all to see. He talks to everyone and he's massively important to Roma.”

What's your relationship with Juan Manuel Iturbe like?

"I met him here for the first time and I met the other Argentine, Leo Paredes, in Dubai. I'm a big fan of Iturbe's – he's got pace, he's strong and has a good shot on him. It's not up to me of course but I think he can be really useful to Roma. There aren't many guys around with his skill set.”

How will things change for you without Miralem Pjanic? Has Spalletti asked you to do anything specific?

“Pjanic is a top player and him not being around anymore is a big loss but we'll carry on regardless. No one is indispensable in football. The gaffer hasn't said anything special to me but I'm open to whatever. I've hardly ever played in his position but the main thing for me is playing and if the boss thinks I can do a job there I'm more than happy to do it.”

Pjanic has said that he now understands why Juventus win. Have you discussed those comments?

“I have to be honest: I read about it but I didn't hear him say that myself, so I don't know what he actually said. Sometimes words get altered a bit when people report them. In any case, if that's what he thinks it's up to him. I don't want to get caught up in any controversy.”

You've played at some electric grounds before but you haven't seen the Olimpico like that yet. Do you want to make an appeal to the fans?

“I'd like to see the Olimpico when it's full. I've always played in packed stadiums and I hope they solve the problem this year. It's a big help for us guys on the pitch when we hear the fans singing – they give you that bit extra, especially towards the end of the game when energy levels start to drop. I hope to see the Olimpico full this year.”

Are there any youngsters here that you've been particularly impressed with?

“Most of them look pretty handy but [Eros] De Santis is the one I like the most.”

What do you make of Leo Messi's international retirement?

"I was expecting it to be honest. They criticised him for no reason, attacked the best player Argentina have. Whenever we lost a game it was always his fault. I think he did the right thing but I hope he comes back and I think he will. As an Argentina fan, I hope he changes his mind after the holidays.”