Perotti: We have to beat Inter to maintain grip on third

The Argentine has admitted that the game won't be easy but has confidence in the side given their superb run of form.

"We have to beat Inter and continue what we're doing," said Diego Perotti at an event at the AS Roma Store in Roma Est shopping centre. "It will be a tough match but we want to push on from the excellent football we've been playing in recent weeks."

Do you still see Inter as in the running for a Champions League place?

"Absolutely. The Nerazzurri have always been one of the best sides in Italy and they have a good squad this season. If they win on Saturday, they'll close the gap on us again, so they can definitely keep dreaming of Champions League football. That's why it's must-win for us, in order to keep our good run going."

Who are you most wary of at Inter?

"[Mauro] Icardi but I don't know if he'll play. Thankfully [Rodrigo] Palacio is suspended. [Ivan] Perisic is another decent player. As I've said, it'll be a very tricky game but we need to secure the three points."

What's Roma's aim?

"We face Inter next. If we win the match, we go eight points clear of them and move closer to securing third place. Then we'll take things one game at a time and see where we are come the end of the season."

Could you get back into title contention?

"We'll see. Juve are so good and I don't think their defeat to Bayern in the Champions League will see them drop points in Serie A. Either way, we'll be in there trying to get as close to them as possible."

You've been one of Roma's best performers since you joined the club. What's the secret behind this consistency?

"They stuck me straight in the side, giving me confidence and that's definitely been important in me playing well. My team-mates didn't make me feel like an outsider and I settled immediately."