Di Francesco: We know we have to be sharper against teams that defend deep

The game at the Stadio Olimpico gets underway at 15:00 local time - as the second half of the Italian league campaign gets underway for every team.

Read what the boss had to say about the match.

Can you give us an injury update ahead of the game?

“[Kostas] Manolas will almost certainly make this game. He's trained with the team the last three days and assuming he comes through training ok today he'll be available. [Alessandro] Florenzi hasn't fully recovered from flu yet and I have to decide today whether or not to include him in the squad. [Antonio] Mirante, [Daniele] De Rossi, [Diego] Perotti and Juan Jesus aren't available for tomorrow's game. As for [Steven] Nzonzi, he'll train with the squad today for the first time since his foot injury and I'll need to assess him.”

How do you play against Walter Mazzarri's Torino?

“I know all about Walter and what he's like as a coach. We've faced each other several times. I know what sort of approach he takes and what his teams are like: he prepares for matches in great detail and his sides are well drilled defensively. Torino are a good team and they've shown that with their away record this year, although they've found it harder to impose their game at home. They're very dangerous on the break and they're one of the teams that have won the ball back most often in the opposition half.”

Who's more likely to start tomorrow, Edin Dzeko or Patrik Schick?

“Neither of them are in perfect condition and it's something I have to weigh up. Edin is slightly ahead at the moment. He hasn't been at his best this week but he's been looking better in training. I'm happy to have two good options up front, especially given the way Schick has been playing recently.”

What sort of options are you considering in the transfer market?

“I trust Monchi and what he's doing. He's looking for opportunities and we both agree there's no point signing players we don't need, just for the sake of it. If there are any worthwhile opportunities who can help us to achieve our targets, we'll take them. Otherwise, we're fine as we are.”

How long will De Rossi be out for?

“We've spoken about this before: he has an unusual injury because you never know how the knee cartilage is going to respond. He's started running on the pitch again and hopefully he'll be able to train with the team next week. We'll find out then: the dynamics and movements are different when you train with others so only then will we be able to tell how his knee really is.”

Can you envisage Andrea Belotti potentially fitting into your team?

“I don't want to talk about players who don't belong to Roma.”

Could Rick Karsdorp and Javier Pastore start tomorrow or are they too tired after playing 90 minutes against Entella?

“Generally when you come back from injury it's the third game that's the problem, not the second. Rick or [Davide] Santon will start tomorrow. As for Pastore, I often hear people say he's not very fast but he's not a sprinter; he makes the ball do the running for him. He hadn't played 90 minutes since October and the fact he came through the entire game is a good sign. He needs a bit of consistency but let's not pass judgement on him for his pace – he's never been a sprinter. Instead we should be looking at his ball distribution and his ability to play in team-mates. Of the two, Karsdorp perhaps has the best chance of starting.”

How is Luca Pellegrini coming along?

“Pellegrini needs to keep improving and developing. He's working on his fitness as well as the tactical and technical aspects of his game.”

Do you think Roma will find it especially hard to play against Torino?

“When we're up against teams who sit very deep, it's harder for us to find space to attack in, that's true. Torino have picked up points in lots of games and it won't be easy. It's a match we must win. We need the three points and we'll try to score as early as possible. It is harder to play against certain teams.”

Do you a choice to make between Justin Kluivert and Stephan El Shaarawy?

“Kluivert is in better shape than El Shaarawy so he's more likely to start.”

Who will get the nod in the hole, Nicolo Zaniolo or Pastore?

“Zaniolo has been playing more regularly and he could start. Let's not give Mazzarri an advantage by saying it's certain, though...”

Do you think Roma have recovered now?

“I think we've improved but we've often done that and then lost form again this season. I hope it won't happen anymore. I see our team spirit has improved.”

What do you think of Schick's improvement?

“First of all, Schick deserves all the credit for it. He's kept working away and kept improving in training. I'm not completely satisfied yet, though. He knows he can do better and mustn't rest on his laurels. He has to score as many goals as he can.”