Fonseca: The lads have realised that we're stronger together

“We were up against an excellent side but I think we got off to a great start. We kept the ball on the deck and scored a lovely goal at a good time. After we missed the penalty, we dropped off a touch and lost our shape a little, but when you're playing a team like Napoli you expect them to react the way they did. During the break we said we needed to keep up with the high press. We were excellent in the second half and managed to control the game.”

Nicolo Zaniolo was superb out there...

“Not just Zaniolo – the whole team. The lads have realised that we're stronger together. Look at [Edin] Dzeko: he may not have scored but he worked his socks off and put in a great shift defensively. That's exactly the attitude we need all the time.”

How have you been able to motivate the players who aren't featuring so much?

“It's a difficult period with all the injury problems we have at the moment and the players have realised we need to stick together at all times, that we need to fight harder than ever and run more than ever. It's so important to see that sort of attitude from all the players.”

Does your league position finally reflect this team's true worth? Are Roma a third- or fourth-place side?

“We haven't won anything yet and we must focus on the next match. I think we're in the right position but the next game is all that matters.”

Roma play entertaining, attacking football but you kept your balance too. Has Gianluca Mancini's new position helped in that respect?

“He helps us maintain our balance when we're on the attack. He possesses great tactical intelligence and he's making a big contribution to the team.”