Diawara: We were punished for not taking our chances

The Giallorossi began 2020 with a setback at the Stadio Olimpico, falling to a 2-0 loss after Andrea Belotti grabbed a brace for the visitors.

What was the team lacking today?

“We knew it would be a tough game; the first one back against a very physical opponent. We were a bit unlucky, but we created a lot of chances that we weren’t able to convert.”

Despite the defeat, your performance was one of the positives.

“I feel the confidence the coaches, my teammates and the club have in me – and that really motivates me to be at my best in every training session and every game.”

Did you struggle to keep your shape today, were you dragged too far apart compared to other games?

“We started badly today, we weren’t able to pass out from the back well with the ball at our feet – especially in the first half. In the second half we did better but we were unlucky and couldn’t make the most of the chances we created.”

Was it a physical problem or a tactical one today?

“It wasn’t a physical issue, we worked hard during the week, we felt good but Torino made it difficult for us – they are a tough side. If you don’t punish sides like that then they will score eventually."

Did the man-marking in midfield make it difficult too?

“Yes, that one was one of the factors, we were not good enough at moving around enough to create space to work in.”