Cengiz: Derby a big game for everyone

Cengiz Under spoke to Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday, as Roma head into a big derby meeting with Lazio at the weekend.

The Giallorossi began the season with a 3-3 draw against Genoa last weekend – a game in which Cengiz scored the opening goal – and will be looking to build on that when they face their cross-city rivals on Sunday.

“The derby’s importance is well-known for everyone here in Rome, and for us players as well,” Cengiz said.

“We will do our best. We’ll go out there and give everything we have to try and get the result we want.

“The derby always takes on a lot of importance, whenever it involves two clubs from the same city. The same thing happens in Turkey, in Istanbul between Fenerbahce and Galatarasaray. Everyone wants to win the derby.”

How are you finding coach Paulo Fonseca’s way of playing?

“Fonseca’s tactics are great. We are a bit more compact all across the pitch and we play together in tighter spaces. It also means the ball comes to me a bit more easily too.”

What sort of a boost was Edin Dzeko’s renewal?

“I’m pleased that Dzeko stayed at Roma. We have a great bond, both on and off the pitch. I want to score and create goals and he wants the same thing. You can only be happy that he is still in our squad.”

What are Roma’s objectives this season?

“The target this season is the Champions League. We have to get back in the Champions League. I’m convinced that we will do that this season.”