Spinazzola: We are making progress

Goals from Aleksandar Kolarov and Lorenzo Pellegrini ensured the Giallorossi remain unbeaten in pre-season under coach Paulo Fonseca, although it was the first time the side had failed to win.

Spinazzola played the majority of the match - playing in both left and right-back roles during the course of the action at the Stadio Renato Curi.

Was this perhaps a step backwards, following the Lille match?

“I don’t think so – it’s only the result that would suggest that. This is not a step backwards for us. We’ve come on in terms of our play, build up and possession. We’re making steps forward in our preparations. It’s still early – there are 20 days to go before the season kicks off. We need to keep on working as we are.”

In terms of your physical preparations, where are you at?

“There’s still a lot of work to do. We need these matches to get a better understanding of what the boss wants from us, where we’re going wrong and where we’re doing okay.”

How do you find playing on the left with Diego Perotti?

“Diego is an excellent player, so I’m happy playing with him. The same goes for [Justin] Kluivert. All our players have quality.”

Do you prefer playing on the left or on the right?

“Normally, my position is on the left. If the boss wants me to play on the right in some games, however, that’s not a problem. It’s just a question of adjusting.”

How did it feel playing in a stadium that means so much to you, seeing as you were born not far from here?

“There are a lot of emotions, also because of seeing lots of people from Foligno who support Roma as well as my relatives. It was nice against Perugia last week that the fans cheered for [Gianluca] Mancini and myself – a great feeling.”