Spinazzola: I'm excited for this challenge

Read what the full-back had to say about the upcoming campaign...

How are you feeling after the first week of pre-season? Have you been given any signal from Paulo Fonseca about where he is looking to use you?

“It has been a good first week of work. The coach has immediately made it clear what he is asking of us, in every position he has given his instructions. It will be a good style to watch and to be a part of – for every single player. Over the next few weeks we will start to test things out more in friendlies.”

From the outside, what have you made of Roma in recent seasons?

“As far as I am concerned Roma has always been a big club, a huge club – with great players and big targets. Playing at the Stadio Olimpico is always amazing, because of the stadium it is and the fans that are there with the passion they show for the team.”

Could you also be asked to play right-back here?

“I’ve always said that I feel more comfortable on the left, I’ve played there a lot more. But I can play on the right as well if it is necessary, it is just a question of adjusting and working hard on it.”

Do you feel like you have a bit of a point to prove to Juventus now?

“That’s the way the job is, clubs and footballers have choices to make. Roma were following me for a while and when I was asked if I would rather stay for another year and be a back-up or go and become a key player at Roma, I chose Roma – a big opportunity, and one I’ll give everything for.”

Do you think showing faith in young Italian players could be the right path for Roma?

“Before I signed the sporting director explained to me the project that he and the club were working on. It’s an important foundation, to have young Italian players, and that can be valuable. Winning is never easy, but we will start with everyone on the same number of points and we will see where we end up.”

Which of your new teammates have impressed you so far? And what about the coach?

“Cengiz Under has impressed me; we are often playing against each other down the same flank so he has made an impression - even if I already knew a fair bit about him. I like the way the coach is trying to impose his ideas on the squad.”