Fonseca: The players deserved to win today

The Giallorossi took the lead early on through Edin Dzeko but, following Francesco Acerbi's fortuitous equaliser, were unable to find a second breakthrough in the second half - despite creating a number of great opportunities.

Speaking to Roma TV after the game, Fonseca acknowledged that his side perhaps deserved more for their efforts - despite halting Lazio's 11-game winning run.

"I am sad, but what the players did out there made me very proud of them," Fonseca.

"We produced a brilliant performance against a very good side. The statistics from the game are quite incredible.

"We took to the pitch with a brave approach and camped ourselves in their half, which allowed us to create openings. When we play like that, it's much easier to believe in this team. The lads deserved more today."

What did you think when Pau Lopez made that mistake?

"It was an unfortunate situation, but I must say Pau is a fantastic goalkeeper. These things can happen and he's performed very well in so many other games."

The four wide players all performed very well, but Cengiz [Under] and [Justin] Kluivert were particularly good. What did you make of their displays?

"Yes, Justin and Cengiz worked very hard out there today, possibly more so than ever before and that's what I always want from them. It's important for the team as a whole that they defend like that. They both had excellent games, but I think I could say the same thing for all the others as well.

[Leonardo] Spinazzola didn't allow [Manuel] Lazzari to have any time on the ball. Is that how you dominated possession?

"We played with Spinazzola further forward and [Davide] Santon in a deeper position to start building the play as a back three. Kluivert's position in that part of the pitch was also crucial in this regard and we managed to find space with Cengiz down the right flank. We played well throughout and kept possession in their half. It's not easy to create dangerous situations against a team like Lazio that really squeeze you on the pitch. Despite creating chances and playing well, our mistakes were only when it came to putting the ball in the net."