Cristante: Performance something to build on

The midfielder scored the winning goal in the dying moments of the match, ensuring the Giallorossi head back to Italy with their confidence-boosted by a win against another top European side.

“I’m pleased with the goal, but more so because of the performance we put in tonight," Cristante said afterwards.

"We were up against a strong side – the first test at this sort of level of this pre-season and we are satisfied with how we played.”

He added: “The legs are not quite at 100% just yet, and we are still trying to absorb everything the coach wants from us, but to get a result against a strong side like Lille – who finished second in the French league last season – is a good starting point for us to continue working from.”

Cengiz Under and Nicolo Zaniolo scored the other goals for Paulo Fonseca's side.

The Giallorossi are back in action again on Wednesday - this time against Athletic Club - and then host Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

“We are at a good point. We are not at our very best just yet, but we are working hard," Cristante added.

“I like the ideas the coach has, his way of playing. He wants to keep the ball, to press high and win it back.

"We need to keep working as hard as we are and try and have a great season implementing the coach’s ideas.”