Ranieri: De Rossi led by example tonight

Daniele De Rossi scored the only goal of the game, ending a three-game run for the Giallorossi without a victory in Serie A.

Is that the mentality Roma need to qualify for the Champions League?

“That's the mentality every team needs. You need players who work hard for each other and we did that tonight against an excellent Sampdoria side. We knew they moved the ball around quickly with one or two touches and it was really tough because they have quality players but I must say the lads were excellent.”

Was the turning point in the game when Edin Dzeko came on alongside Patrik Schick?

“[Lorenzo] Pellegrini was having a very good game in midfield against an in-form Sampdoria but we really wanted to win it towards the end. They did too, because a point was no good for either side. Schick was battling for every ball so I thought it best to keep him on. I could have gone with [Nicolo] Zaniolo in the centre but I opted for Schick because he was fighting hard. He and Dzeko played well together.”

How did Justin Kluivert do? You've praised him but you took him off again today.

“He's a young lad who still makes mistakes but he always does good things too.”

Was it important to come here and win or was it enough not to lose?

“We came here determined to win but I was aware that Roma have conceded some crazy goals on the counter-attack in the past – as we almost did in the 95th minute today. I asked the team to stay compact first of all and get the ball forward quickly. By pushing up with our full-backs we were able to open up space to play in.”

What did you make of Daniele De Rossi's performance?

“Daniele is the heart and soul of this team. The captain. He gets himself and others fired up. He's a leader and I need leaders and people who care about this club. They all follow his example and that's important for me, for Roma and for the club.”

Kluivert and Zaniolo were tucked in more than usual today, Was that a specific tactical move against a diamond midfield?

“Pellegrini's job was to harry their deepest midfielder so we always had one less in midfield. I like wingers who push up when we have the ball and close down when we lose it. I prefer to spread play out wide. Samp are good at playing between the lines and I must praise my wide players and central midfielders. They put in a great deal of running, closed off lots of attacks and got forward well. Our defenders deserve a special mention too.”

Does Zaniolo have the right mentality both when defending and when attacking?

“Yes, he's a good player and when he's on the ball I'm relaxed. He's 19 and needs to improve. He's still got lots of things to learn but he's humble, willing and open to advice, and that's important.”