El Shaarawy: The goal was an incredible feeling

The Giallorossi No.22 spoke of his happiness at scoring his first Rome derby goal and praised his team-mates for winning a tough match comfortably and holding their nerve after Lazio looked to have found a route back into the game after Marco Parolo’s second-half goal.

“The goal was an incredible feeling,” began El Shaarawy at the end of the game. “Winning a derby 4-1 is massive so I want to say well done to everyone for the performance, for the way we read the game and for the way we reacted after they made it 2-1.”

What happened after they pulled it back to 2-1?

“They took heart after the goal and we dropped off a bit – that was an error. But then we showed a great reaction and managed to restore our two-goal lead. As I said, it was a big performance from us.”

Both you and Roma have been in great form since January…

“Yes, but we can’t let up. We need to continue our ten-match unbeaten run. Napoli had a blip today and we need to take advantage of that.”

Can you aim for more than third place?

“Yes, given the fact that Napoli have stuttered we can’t let up as we try to pursue them. It’s not just down to us and we know that, but we need to try to make the most of our opportunities to cut the gap as and when they arise.”

[Luciano] Spalletti has said you need to believe more if you are to become a top player…

“He’s said that to me too. In the first half I could have been more clinical with the chances we created after we took the lead – I could have killed the game off. I’m training well and focused on what I need to do.”

Do you want to stay at Roma?

“My objective is to perform well here at Roma and go to the Euros. Aside from that the decision on whether I stay or not is not up to me but up to the club.”