Pjanic: Totti is magical

Miralem Pjanic was full of praise for Francesco Totti after the captain came off the bench to score two goals in five minutes and secure Roma a 3-2 victory against Torino on Wednesday.

"It was an wonderful evening for him and us. Winning like this right at the end was fantastic," declared the midfielder to Roma Radio. "The performances Totti has been producing in the last few games are nothing short of magical. I don't think it will be easily repeated, it's crazy. It's incredible what is happening."

The Bosnian midfielder is reaching the end of his fifth season in the capital and spoke of his experience playing under the Giallorossi skipper.

"Tonight was his evening. It's a fantastic evening: Totti is Roma. So much gets spoken about him and when you come from outside you understand that Totti is a huge part of Roma.

"I'm happy for him and we hope the rumours that are surfacing every day are put to bed in the best way possible. I hope so for his sake too. I've been able to learn a lot playing alongside him and we're good friends.”

"He's not been having the easiest time lately. Obviously, it's hard to imagine not being in the changing rooms any more. He's a sublime footballer and someone I get on with really well. I'm delighted about what happened yesterday because he deserves it.

"I hope everything ends well and everyone is happy one way or another. I'd like common sense to prevail and the fans to take it well. Francesco deserves to be happy."

Are you ready for Roma v Napoli?

"We believe we can finish second. We got a bit nervous following the two draws that we should have won. Judging how the contest went yesterday, it was crucial that we managed to get three points. It's second versus third on Monday and we want to win. You never know in football, anything can happen. Let's see what happens on Monday.

"I hope to be fit. I've got a problem in my pelvis and abductors, but it's feeling a little better so I'll do what I can to be available."

Is it normal that you have these moments in games when the team goes missing?

"It's not normal at all because if we want to make progress we have to dominate throughout, playing good football and taking the three points as we did yesterday. Torino are always a tough proposition – they create overlaps on the wings and we found it difficult to create chances. We weren't causing enough problems, which is partly down to their quality. We conceded from a penalty and it was hard to get the game back under control, but ultimately we won and it went well."

Any words on Higuain's return?

"Napoli are good with or without Higuain, it's going to be a tough game regardless. We'll prepare for it in the same way: We have to win and we'll do everything to get the three points. We have to create problems for Napoli to get the victory on Monday. Let's hope we can delight the fans in a full stadium."