Perotti insists Roma are ready for busy period

Diego Perotti believes his Roma teammates are well aware they must step up their performances as they enter an extremely busy part of the season.

Luciano Spalletti's side have seven games in the next 21 days, starting with Sunday's contest against Sampdoria at the Stadio Olimpico.

As a former Genoa player the visit of the Blucerchiati promises to be of great personal significance - but the Argentine nows the most important thing is to deliver a victory for the Giallorossi.

"As I've always said, Genoa have a place in my heart so it will definitely be a different game to all the others," Perotti noted. "However all I'm thinking about now is winning matches for Roma.

"We're at home and we have to make the most of that. It will be hot and we'll have to be smart albeit aware that we must win."

Roma face a busy run of games, how are you preparing for that?

"As best we can. We play this sport because we enjoy it so the best thing is that the international break is over and it's time to start competing. We must improve upon what we've done so far and win all of our forthcoming games in order to go a long way on every front."

You had a bit of a niggle in the week. How are you feeling and what's the mood in the camp?

"I'm good. I read in the papers that I had a muscle problem but the truth is I had some fresh blisters on the soles of my feet and they really hurt. I started training yesterday, however, and I'm doing great.

"The team are aware that we drew a match we should have won, so we definitely have to win our upcoming games."

You attended the press conference today for the "United for Peace" match which will be played at the Stadio Olimpico on 12 October. It will be a very important day to promote peace...

"Yes, it really is a great gesture from the Pope and we footballers must stand alongside him and participate. It's a very important game and we have to use football to help out."