Di Francesco: Now we need to be more united than ever

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

Read the coach's answers below.

How do you pick yourself up after losing 7-1?

“By producing a performance of the highest quality – physically and above all mentally. That's crucial in this delicate moment.”

How have you prepared for AC Milan?

“AC Milan were in the same position we're in a few weeks ago but everything can change in the space of a week. They're coming off the back of two very good performances, playing a more defensive game. We'll be up against a well-drilled side in great form so it won't be at all easy.”

How is Daniele De Rossi now?

“I hope he'll be involved and can help the team generally by making his presence felt and leading the others out on the pitch. There's a small question mark about his fitness because he hasn't played for a long time but that's the only doubt really. He's been training better and has been able to do everything without feeling any pain. That's important to start with.”

Were you disappointed with Edin Dzeko's reaction and red card for dissent?

“I think that was the worst part of a painful defeat but Edin was the first to come forward and apologise to the team. He's an experienced player but at the end of the day we're all human. His actions were wrong and it mustn't happen again. We have to stick together when we're in trouble. The start of the second half was our best spell and after we conceded the fourth we needed to be smart enough not to concede any more. We would have lost but not quite so badly. Thankfully in football and in life, after a failure you have the chance to make up for it and show that it was just a one-off.”

You recently described Roma as a sick team, and you seemed to be on your sick bed against Atalanta and Fiorentina. Do you have any positives to cling onto between now and the end of the season?

“I said the team hadn't recovered yet, not that it was sick. We'd shown signs we were improving considerably but we weren't able perform consistently in some games. We may be on our sick bed but that doesn't mean we're going to die. We can bring ourselves back to life. This is football. We must be strong enough to get back on our feet again. Right now we're the anvil so we just have to take what people throw at us and try to get back to being the hammer.”

Is the team still united?

“We have to improve lots of things but the lads are keen to make up for what's happened. I feel a bit like a dad who hasn't given the right advice when other times he did. We must rediscover our unity of purpose and stick together in the face of adversity. It happened against Bologna, Chievo, Cagliari and Atalanta, so we've fallen several times. We must strive to ensure it doesn't happen again.”

What conclusions have your drawn? Who is to blame?

“The difference between me and you guys asking the questions is that I have to find solutions, not people to blame. You can write things and pass judgement – sometimes fairly and other times less so – while I have to find solutions. We must be even more united and honest when we talk.

"People say honesty is important when you speak and it's fundamental in the dressing room. We don't need to discuss fitness or tactical issues right now; we just need unity of purpose – and we must show it on the pitch. We're responsible for everything that's happened and it's up to us to get ourselves out of this difficult situation.”

How is Cengiz Under?

“This is one of the least important matters today. He's having treatment and when he's ready I'll be happy. One day people say this player shouldn't be playing, the next day it's another... I just smile because people don't realise we need everyone in this team. Each player joins together to form a team and as a team you cover your team-mates' failings.”

What circumstances would lead you to consider quitting?

“You asked me this question after Bologna, Plzen and other games. It's getting a little boring. People are naturally pessimistic here. Results and performances determine everything. Talk serves no purpose. We need actions, not words. And that starts with myself, because I'm responsible for this team.”