Perotti: Securing Champions League football for next year is the main thing

The Giallorossi, currently third, trail Napoli by six points heading into the final stretch of six games.

"The main thing is that we're in the Champions League again come next season – that's important for all footballers,” Perotti admitted in an interview with Sky Sport Italia. “Obviously it would be better to finish second and avoid having to go through a qualifying round but getting there via third place would be just as good."

How are the team doing at the moment?

"We're in good form. As I said, I think we could go on to claim second place or hold onto third.”

So Roma can still catch Napoli?

"We're confident we can because we still have to play them and we know it's down to us. Obviously we can't afford any more slip-ups like against Bologna. We mustn't draw any more games, especially not at home.”

Is Gonzalo Higuain the best striker around at the moment?

“Scoring goals is the best thing there is in football. He's the best or certainly one of the best at doing that.”

Roma on the other hand have had 18 different goalscorers. Is that what makes you such a good side?

"It's really important that the whole team can get into the box and score goals. If you want to score lots of goals and you don't have a striker who can bag 30 a season for you, you need to have lots of different players capable of finding the back of the net - that's probably easier too.”

Is that down to Luciano Spalletti?

“We work hard to improve every day and not just the attacking side of our game. He tells us we have to get up in support of the strikers and the numbers say we're doing something right.”

What kind of a coach is Spalletti?

“He's very demanding. He always expects you to go the extra mile and he has you train at full pelt. Of course it pays off during matches because you're used to it from the week.”

What's behind your excellent start at Roma?

“I've always said that my team-mates have been the key factor. They've been really welcoming and never made me feel like the new guy. I've played a lot too and that breeds confidence. Confidence is 90% in a player's head.”

What are the difficulties of your 12:30 kick-off at Atalanta?

"It's not a time we're used to playing at and it will be hot. We're used to playing at night. The home fans will make it a really hostile atmosphere too but it's a game we need to win.”