Reja: Against a Roma this good we had to be at our best

Francesco Totti delivered a late equaliser to secure a point for the Giallorossi in Bergamo, after a goal from Marco D’Alessandro and brace from Marco Borriello had briefly given Reja’s side the lead.

“Against a Roma side with this much quality the only way we could play was with very high intensity,” Reja said. “We fought for every ball, closing down all over the pitch.

“We gave a bit more away in the centre of the park but we did really well to turn the deficit around. In truth, had we believed a bit more we could have won it – in fact we had a couple of chances to make it 4-2.”

Did you focus on speed in your preparations for the match?

“We were well aware that the two Roma full-backs were going to push on a lot and leave space in behind. It was the only way to get out – they have a great side.”

Were you expecting former Roma players [Marco] D’Alessandro and [Marco] Borriello to be so motivated?

“Yes. Everyone had a good game, not just those two in attack. Roma don’t play with fixed positions – [Edin] Dzeko provides the focal point up top, but he moves around a lot and heads balls on. Roma are a difficult side to stay on top of but the lads did very well and at 2-0 down they showed their character – the Atalanta character. We lost our way in January and February but we’re getting back to our level now.”

Between Roma and Napoli, who has a better chance of finishing second?

“There aren’t many games left and Napoli have a five-point lead after Roma’s draw here in Bergamo so it means Napoli can afford to lose to Roma, but they shouldn’t let up – they should continue picking up points and must avoid slip-ups. But it does depend a great deal on the schedule. Roma won’t give up, however, because they have some fantastic players. Napoli play good football but they’re missing [Gonzalo] Higuain and will have to stick it out until he’s back. If he comes back on top form then Napoli will be able to finish second.”