Fonseca pleased with first 1-0 win of reign

Edin Dzeko scored the only goal of the game in Puglia, as the Giallorossi kept their first clean sheet under the Portuguese boss.

What did you most enjoy from today’s win?

“We could have scored five or six. Lecce didn’t have any chances in the second period. We’re still looking for the right balance in our team. I’m happy – we won the game and didn’t concede. It’s always tough to pick up three points away from home – this is a big win for us.”

Chris Smalling put in a very relaxed display – did you expect that from him?

“He put in a good performance, as he did in his first game. He’s an important player for us. [Gianluca] Mancini played well too.”

How is Lorenzo Pellegrini?

“He’s got an issue we need to resolve – it’s not straightforward. He played well but felt some pain.”

Of Smalling, Mancini, Federico Fazio and Juan Jesus, which two make up the most harmonious partnership?

“I’m confident in all the players in the squad. Mancini and Smalling did have a good game, but the same goes for Fazio in his last appearance. It’s tough for me to choose but I’m happy that’s the case. We’ve made some changes in personnel, but the team maintained the same idea that underpins our play.”

Do you prefer to win 1-0 or 4-3?

“I prefer to win 1-0. I don’t like conceding goals. However, we could have got five or six today.”