El Shaarawy: We will keep fighting

The forward looked like he had perhaps clinched a vital win for the Giallorossi with his clinical 82nd minute strike - but a late equaliser ended up spoiling the afternoon for the visitors.

“It was a very important goal but it’s a shame we didn’t get all three points," El Shaarawy said.

"I dedicated the goal to Orsetta, a girl that died two weeks ago. I knew her – she was a physio at Genoa and a very special person. I scored in her stadium so that goal was for her.”

Is that one point gained, given the last-gasp penalty, or two points dropped?

“Let’s hope it can be the point that takes us into next year’s Champions League. It’s a missed opportunity, given that we took the lead in the 81st minute, and in a game of that kind. At this kind of ground, matches aren’t over until they’re over – Genoa never give up and they showed that.

"We’ll take this point – there are three games left and we must keep believing until the very end. It’s crucial for us to get into the Champions League.”

You’re three points behind Atalanta. Is it a tougher ask after this draw?

“It is more difficult but while it’s still mathematically possible, we have to believe. We’ve got back on the right track in recent games, in terms of our league standing, getting results and conceding fewer goals. We need to keep going like that, staying united, compact and fighting for every ball, right until the last.”

Of the teams competing for that spot, Atalanta appear to have the most about them. How is Claudio Ranieri helping you in this period?

“I think we need to stay focused on ourselves. We’re a few points behind so we’ll need Atalanta’s results to go our way. We need to try and win all the matches that we have left. It’s not just about the club’s interest but that of all the players, who should be aiming to play in such a big competition.

"We need to stay ambitious and focused. We showed substance and focus until the final moments. Now we need to look ahead and keep on fighting.”