Fonseca: A strong performance in defence

The Giallorossi rendered the league leaders goalless for the first time this season, although a winning goal would not prove forthcoming.

Was your attacking play lacking a little today?

“Yes, our decision-making in the final third was a bit off but overall we played well. We wanted to come here and play an open game and I think for parts of the match we were in control.”

Did you perhaps make a few too many mistakes in building moves?

“Inter's biggest chances came from mistakes we made when playing out from the back. We tried to be bold when starting moves and we got it wrong a few times. It's what I want to see but we need to improve and be more effective when building play."

Your defence stood up really well today, with both Gianluca Mancini and Chris Smalling holding their own in one-on-ones.

“Yes, our defensive strategy worked very well. Mancini and Smalling especially were very confident. Both teams defended well. Defending is not our primary aim but it's not easy against Inter.”

What did you think of Antonio Mirante's performance?

“He played very well and produced a great performance. He's a good keeper.”

Where do you need to improve in order to finish in the top four?

“We've improved a lot in all areas but we need to keep working to learn attacking moves better.”

How good do you think your team is? What position do you think you should be in?

“The next game is all that matters to me. We have Wolfsberg on Thursday and that's the most important thing.”

Why did you opt for Leonardo Spinazzola and not Alessandro Florenzi when Davide Santon got injured?

“I have several options. Florenzi always trains very well. I thought Spinazzola was a good choice for this match and I think he played very well.”

Are Roma more of a team now?

“Yes. You have to be bold against Inter and it's important to keep the ball against teams like them. We were very bold tonight: we always tried to play the ball and keep it circulating. Our decision-making in the final third wasn't on point, though. We could have crossed the ball much better and that's what made the difference.”