Di Francesco previews SPAL visit

The match at the Stadio Olimpico gets underway at 15:00 CEST.

The Giallorossi are looking to continue their recent run of positive results, despite having to deal with the enforced break for international matches.

Read what the boss had to say in the gallery below.

How are the players looking after the international matches?

“The international players came back at different times. [Justin] Kluivert and [Steven] Nzonzi are yet to train with the rest of the squad but overall they're in good shape. We'll take a look at [Patrik] Schick today. He has a bit of a niggle but I think he'll be okay.”

Considering the busy run of games coming up, will you pick the team for tomorrow based on how much time players played with their national teams?

“That's something I'll bear in mind both for this game and the next one. Generally speaking, two games back-to-back are manageable. Hopefully [Aleksandar] Kolarov and [Daniele] De Rossi will return to full training on Sunday and we'll have them available for CSKA. They won't be in the squad for tomorrow's game.”

Do you think De Rossi could become a coach in future?

“Lots of the other players look to him already out on the pitch and he can do even better. The fact he's had a great career as a midfielder can help him. Lots of other things come into it too of course – technical and tactical knowledge and much more besides – but I think he could become an excellent coach.”

Could Schick's niggle be a problem if you want to alternate him with Edin Dzeko?

“That's something I've been thinking about but I can't really give you an answer. Tomorrow I'll choose one of them depending on who's in the best shape, but Schick didn't train yesterday.”

How much of Dzeko's recent surge in form is down to yourself?

“It's all down to him. He has enormous potential – sometimes more than he even realises himself. He occasionally lacks a touch of consistency but that's something I've started to see again in the last few games. He's playing really well. The psychological aspect is huge and we need to make the most out of this positive spell.”

If Javier Pastore is not available, might we see Ante Coric in a wide forward role?

“I looked at different options in pre-season to get to know my players better but I don't think that's his best position – he's a midfielder. He could play in the hole and if he improves his reading of the game and interceptions he could play in one of the two central midfield roles."

How is Pastore?

“He returned to full training yesterday so he'll almost certainly be available for tomorrow's game. He's trained really well in the last few days. We need to assess him on a daily basis.”

According to the statistics, Roma are the team that make the fewest tackles. Is that an area you want to improve?

“We're working to ensure we're more competitive in all competitions.”

Do you think Diego Perotti's physical condition may be affected by his mental state?

“Possibly yes, but it's definitely physical. We're assessing the situation and trying to get him back in the best shape possible. I'm really sorry for Diego. He's so passionate about his football. When someone gets injured lots of times you have to support them and that's what we'll do.”

Are you confident the team are now over that inconsistent spell in September?

“Tomorrow is going to be a very tough game – you only need to look at SPAL's last match against Inter – and underestimating it would be a huge mistake. I could mention [Manuel] Lazzari, who's made more dribbles than anyone else this season. It's a very tough game. Saying we have or haven't come through a bad spell matters little – you must be consistent in football. We're on the right path but it doesn't end here.”

Could Nicolo Zaniolo play alongside Nzonzi or do you think he's better suited further forward or in a three-man midfield?

“What I need at the moment are certainties. I'll leave the trials to you. I have to put my players out there. I don't think he's ready for that yet. It's not a choice I'd make, at least not from the start.”

Could Luca Pellegrini start again?

“Yes, he's going to start tomorrow. I want to give him a run in the side to aid his development. He must keep working away and keep improving, trying to make the right choice in every situation, with and without the ball. He has great ability and he needs to use it better but he's young and it's only right he gets the chance to make mistakes and improve.”