Fonseca excited by fixture challenges

With the Derby della Capitale taking place on the second weekend of the season, the fixture list will see Roma play their first three games of the campaign at the Olimpico – something that Fonseca expressed his pleasure about.

“I like the fixture list, because it gives us the chance to play at our stadium and in front of our supporters for the first three games – and one of those games will be a derby too,” Fonseca told Roma TV.

“I can’t wait to get playing, and to get playing in front of our fans, and I am sure they will push us on. It’s very important, especially at the start of the season, that the fans and the city are with us.

“We know that the derby is a special game but it is a boost for the whole campaign to have a game like that at the beginning – because it will bring so much passion and enthusiasm.”

The end of the campaign, however, will see the Giallorossi face back-to-back games in Turin – with Torino on the penultimate weekend followed by a trip to face Juventus on the final day of the campaign.

“Facing Juventus on the final day could end up being a vital game for both sides, as so often is the case,” Fonseca acknowledged.

“Anyway, the league is the same for everyone and we all have to face every team – you can never pick and choose when and where.

"The draw has come out like it has and that final game could end up being key for both teams.”