Di Francesco: We've shown that we are capable of anything

The match at the Stadio Olimpico gets underway at 20:30 local time.

The Giallorossi go into the match looking to bounce back from last weekend's away defeat at Udinese.

How are Diego Perotti and Javier Pastore looking?

“Both are available but they definitely won't be able to start against Inter. We'll know for sure after our final training session.”

How are you working with the team on a psychological level?

“It's an ongoing process and it doesn't always bear fruit. We all need to try and do a bit more. We need the right mentality to get ourselves out of difficult situations. After the first half against Real, we saw some of our old shortcomings emerge again and that shows we still have work to do. We could do with the ball going in a bit more too but it's up to us to turn situations to our advantage.”

Is Alessandro Florenzi the best option in attack against the top teams?

“I'm not going to talk about my team selection. He's one possibility we have – and more so at a time like this when we have few options. Having Perotti available is a big plus but he needs to get his fitness back up.”

Will Patrik Schick be playing for his future in the next few games while Edin Dzeko is unavailable?

“Patrik has played 500 minutes more than last season. I was criticised for picking him against Udinese but we need everyone and we need everyone to be on their game physically and mentally. Like all the others, Patrik needs to do a bit better and believe more in his exceptional ability. The mental side is crucial if you're to produce a top performance. That's an area where he needs to improve.”

When Luciano Spalletti was at Roma, he said: “Strong men, strong destinies; weak mean, weak destinies.” Are Roma strong or weak at the moment?

“We need strong men and we need to help them be strong. I have to work on their mindset constantly. I believe I can get more out of this team. We have to give them strength. I understand the fans are disappointed and we owe them but we also need their support. We must get back to giving our fans something to cheer about – it's our duty.”

Will Federico Fazio play against Inter?

“I don't know. Defence is perhaps the only area where I have options. It depends on whether we decide to play with three or four at the back.”

Do you have an explanation for why Roma struggle after falling behind?

“We must try to get ourselves into a position where our fears don't come to the fore. We must be strong enough to stick at what we're doing. I try to instil certain ideas in the players, like trying to win the ball back and turning bad situations around. Unfortunately, there's never much time in football and you have to improve quickly.”

You were very upset when you lost against Inter last season. What do you need to avoid repeating?

“I can't be thinking back to that game, which was a year ago and with different players. Let's just say that this year I'd rather play less well and come away with three points – we could really do with them at the moment.”

Are you surprised that Radja Nainggolan hasn't done better at Inter?

“I think Nainggolan is a fantastic player. He's been unlucky with injuries and clearly he's lacking the sharpness, energy and strength we're used to seeing from him, but he's still a top footballer.”

Why do you think Roma have had so many injuries?

“There's a UEFA study that shows that clubs who play in Europe have an increase in injuries in October and November. All of ours have come at the same time and that's given us something to think about. Perotti's and Pastore's are pre-existing problems. Dzeko asked to be rested in Udine. The tempo of games is much higher than in the past and that means you tend to up the intensity in training too. [Stephan] El Shaarawy has played a lot more this year than last season. I've often had to play the same players this season and that increases the chance of injury.”

Roma seem to keep making the same mistakes. Have you considered doing something different psychologically? Do you perhaps listen too much to what's said on the outside?

“Of course you try to shut out all the noise as much as possible. I'd rather explain than justify – I like to explain things. It doesn't help to say all the talk affects us. As the coach, I have to find solutions but your mentality can change in an instant. All the focus we showed in the first half against Real vanished in one second. The first idea in situations like Fazio's backpass is to play it sideways or forwards. Unfortunately, it's easier to work on collective mistakes than individual lapses. You have to try and reduce them as much as possible and take fewer risks when there's no need to. If I'm talking about how things said on the outside influence us, it's because I'm unable to hide what I think, but I do it honestly.”

Matteo Politano is doing well at Inter. Should Roma have believed in him more?

“I'm one of those responsible for taking him away from Roma. I was the first person at Sassuolo who insisted we should sign him outright. He's worked really hard to get where he is and he's reaping the rewards, albeit, sadly for us, at another club. I congratulate him. He's really improved as a player and I'm fond of him.”

Are Inter better than Roma at the moment? Do you think this match might affect your future?

“Inter have shown themselves to be better in Serie A so far. They've improved a lot and have some great players. Spalletti is doing an excellent job. Inter are a different creature now and have great potential. They've shown they're better than us at the moment. As for my future, I always do everything I can to ensure my players are fired up and want to step up their game. I hope that happens tomorrow.”

How can you beat Inter?

“We've shown we're capable of anything – in both good and bad ways. We need real grit and determination. One thing I never want to have to complain about is us not giving our all.”

Do you believe this team can turn things around in the league? Do you have any other ideas to improve your attacking play?

“What we've been lacking up front is finishing moves. I don't think attack is our main problem – it's more a mental problem. We're lagging behind in the league. We have time to catch up but every week that passes is a match less.”

Inter are very aggressive and good in transition. How important is it for Roma to be tidy in possession?

“Inter try to take the game to you as well. And we're good at transitioning too. When you're calm it's easier to stroke the ball around well; when you're lacking confidence you make more mistakes. We have to make fewer mistakes than our opponents.”

Cengiz Under seemed a bit down after that miss against Real Madrid. Will he start tomorrow?

“I don't have many other options but yes, he will play. We need to back him but he's one of those players who always try to make things happen by taking the initiative. Sometimes you might make the wrong choice and that makes the difference. We do make the odd mistake in our final choices, but we're working on it.”