'We got our spark back' - De Rossi reflects on Roma's campaign

Midfielder Daniele De Rossi believes Roma's strong finish to the season shows the club are moving in the right direction, and have the chance to progress further next season.

De Rossi congratulated Napoli on clinching second in Serie A on Saturday evening, but nevertheless feels the Giallorossi's 3-1 win over Milan - their first triumph at the San Siro since 2010 - underlined the mental strength Luciano Spalletti's side have shown to rebound after a difficult middle phase of the campaign.

“We have a strong team," De Rossi said. "We really dropped off between October and December but we picked ourselves up and did well to get our spark back.

"Napoli really deserve second place on account of their consistency and the quality of their football, as well as the form of some of their players, like [Gonzalo] Higuain. We were up there but we dropped a few points."

De Rossi added: "I look back to the game against Bologna – we hit the woodwork three times and could have scored ten goals. There’s a bit of disappointment there, because we had hope, but perhaps given the way the season’s gone it’s a fair result.”

The team’s in extraordinary form right now. Is the season ending at the wrong time?

“We can get this form back again. It’s the quality of the players that counts and we hope they’re here next season. It’s not up to me to weigh these things up – we have a great coach. That said, if I were the coach or the president, or if I were playing a football manager game, I’d keep all the players we have here. That would be a great transfer window in itself, but there are a thousand other factors that you’re more familiar with than I am.”

AC Milan say goodbye to Christian Abbiati tonight after a great career.

“It’s not been the best night for the Rossoneri but thankfully the fans have given him a fitting farewell. He’s one of the last players left from the group that made history. The did the right thing tonight, but in the past they didn't for another person who deserved much better [Paolo Maldini]. But it’s not up to me to judge the AC Milan fans.”