Smalling reflects on first taste of Italian football

Chris Smalling made his Roma debut on Wednesday evening - but was on the losing side as the Giallorossi suffered a 2-0 defeat.

Duvan Zapata and Marten De Roon scored the second half goals for the visitors, ending Roma's unbeaten start to the season.

“I’m happy to make my debut at home but disappointed not to win," Smalling said.

"We have big dreams and aspirations this season and we need to win our home games. We need to make sure we don’t slip up too many more times at home this season.”

He added: “I think in the second half there was more urgency. The first half was very cagey, there were very few chances. We needed to get on the front foot a bit more, especially because we were playing at home.

"We did that a bit more in the second half but we started a bit too slowly.”

How do you feel physically? You seemed to have an issue with cramp at the end?

“Yes, a bit, but this was my first competitive game of the season. I knew that. So come 70 minutes I was starting to feel it a little bit in the legs. But I know having this first game in the bank, for the next game I’ll be a lot stronger and sharper for it.”

What do you expect from upcoming games in Italy?

“I think that in Italy there are no easy games. I have watched a lot of Italian matches, both before I got here and since I arrived. Each game is going to be a tough battle. Today there were two teams that did not give much away, and there were only one or two chances in it. Each game is going to be a battle but that is a challenge I’m relishing.

“I enjoyed being back playing. It was my first game and I enjoyed playing at the stadium. But I just want to help the club achieve some big targets this season.

"Tonight was a close game and the first goal was always going to be crucial. I know that every game is going to be a battle and I’m ready for that – bring on Sunday.”

How was it for you, switching between three and four in defence?

“In training during the week we work on our tactics. That’s something I’ve noticed since being here, we work very hard on tactics and we come into the game very well prepared.

"In each game we know what the formation is going to be and how we are going to press etc, so we arrive for the game very well prepared.”