Di Criscio: PSG a perfect pre-season test for us

The French league runners-up come to Stadio Tre Fontane for the second edition of the Trofeo Luisa Petrucci, as Roma look to retain the title they won for the first time against Florentia a year ago.

But, with Serie A set to get underway seven days later, the visit of the European giants will also be a useful challenge for Betty Bavagnoli’s side – regardless of who ends up lifting the trophy.

“It will be the first real pre-season test for us, of a higher level than we’ve faced so far,” Di Criscio said.

“Playing a friendly against a world-class opponent will help us get up to speed physically and mentally.

“We will try to do our best, because it will help us see where we are at and what we still need to work on before the campaign gets underway.”

AC Milan will be the visitors on the opening weekend of the season, with Roma needing to hit the ground running against another top-of-the-table rival.

“We’ve worked really hard during pre-season, and I hope we see results from that,” Di Criscio added.

“We are trying to create a group with a lot of new players – the foreign arrivals have definitely raised the level and the intensity from last year. We are working harder, we are working better and we will try to get results from the off."

She added: “Stadio Tre Fontane is our home, the fans have backed us from the start and over time they have become a real boost for us – because they follow us even for away games.

"We rely on the support of the fans a great deal and they will be able to give us a helping hand against all the rivals we will face this season.”