Fazio relieved after spirited performance

Bryan Cristante scored what would prove to be the winning goal midway through the second half – after Fazio and Justin Kluivert had both notched first half equalisers.

Speaking after the game, Fazio acknowledged that the Giallorossi had not played brilliantly, but had done what needed to be done in difficult circumstances.

“What matters this evening is the result,” Fazio said.

“But beyond the three points, the great thing is the spirit and the desire the squad showed tonight. This side’s approach is always to try and win the game.

“Beyond the win, too, I think you saw the character of the guys. It’s great to go back in the dressing room having given everything. This time we won, other times we haven’t, but we always give our all. That is the spirit we have. We all play for each other.

Now we must continue working hard without talking, taking things game by game. Our talking has to be done on the pitch.”

Asked why the team had improved after the break, Fazio added: “Even in the first half we were trying to do everything to win.

“We didn’t say anything in particular at half-time, we just wanted to keep going and keep trying to play our way. It has been tough, getting into the situation we found ourselves in tonight but, as I’ve said, we always give everything to try and win.

I must compliment my teammates for the focus they showed.”