Fonseca: First goal restored our confidence

Chris Smalling broke the deadlock early in the second half, as the Giallorossi overcame a slightly slow start to romp to victory.

Gianluca Mancini and Edin Dzeko added the other goals.

“We lacked aggression and intensity in the first half, but we spoke about that during the break and then the team played better," Fonseca said.

The first goal seemed to lift a weight off the shoulders of the team.

“Yes, that’s to be expected. The space was there in the first half, but we made the wrong final decisions. In the second half, the goal allowed us to regain balance and confidence and we played better.”

Do you think you should have tried to be more direct in the first half?

“We weren’t able to find the channels down the middle. We did that on the wings, but we couldn’t find the right move. The only solution [Aleksandar] Kolarov and [Alessandro] Florenzi had was to cross it – that’s not right so we need to improve in that regard.”

Set plays were key today. Is that something you’ve been working on?

“Yes, we’ve always worked on them. We have lots of players that are strong from set plays, which can be very important – particularly against teams that sit very deep.”

How important is it to show no fear against Istanbul on Thursday?

“We need to show that we’re better than them on the pitch. It will be a very important and a very difficult game. We can only win it if we show great courage, belief and team spirit.”