El Shaarawy delighted after training ground winner

The winger was the provider in some dramatic final moments at the Stadio Benito Stirpe, as Dzeko steered home from his cross to belatedly decided the game.

El Shaarawy was played into space after a pinpoint ball over the top from Daniele De Rossi – something he revealed the duo work on extensively during the week.

“It’s a move we work on a lot in training,” El Shaarawy said.

“Daniele took the ball and looked at me; out of the corner I saw that and understand and started the run in behind. It was a great move, it was not easy to put the ball into the box for the final touch.

"But we managed to get it in there for Edin – who produced a massive, massive goal for us.”

El Shaarawy’s assist – he also was pivotal in Lorenzo Pellegrini’s earlier strike – extended his recent run of decisive performances.

The Italy international admitted afterwards he is full of confidence right now.

“I think it’s the result of being in good shape physically – at the moment I feel really good," he said.

"Then it’s clear that with games I’m getting more confident and comfortable. I’m happy with how I’m playing.

“I’m feeling more confident all the time, and then obviously playing regularly helps your sharpness and comfort. That has definitely helped me a lot. Then goals give you a boost, so obviously that’s really important.

"But we still have a lot of games to go and we are just entering one of the toughest periods of the campaign – with the derby and then the Champions League.

"We need to stay calm, focused and try and take things game by game. It’s a cliché, but that’s really the way it is.”