Serie A, Sunday, DEC 15, 18:00 CET
Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia
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    Fonseca: We need to keep going with this attitude


    Coach Paulo Fonseca answered questions from the media on Saturday afternoon, as he prepared for Sunday's Serie A game against Fiorentina.

    The match at the Stadio Olimpico gets underway at 19:30 local time - here's what the boss had to say going into the final home game of the season...

    There are three more Serie A games to play then the Europa League tie with Sevilla on 6 August. How much room for improvement does this team have?

    “The lads are in a good place at the moment, both tactically and physically, but we must keep improving in all areas. For now we're only thinking about the league and this game against Fiorentina. We must play with the same desire we've shown in our recent matches. We're using a new system and there are lots of things we still have to learn but we're in good shape. We're confident and motivated. The last few games will be important to help us prepare properly for Sevilla.”

    Nicolo Zaniolo has made five substitute appearances and has been slowly increasing his game time. Could he start against Fiorentina?

    “We'll see tomorrow. He played well against SPAL but let's not forget that he only trained once in the build-up to that game. Then he came on and did well. We'll see. We have to manage him carefully after a six-month injury layoff.”

    The team has clearly made progress recently but we're still seeing some avoidable mistakes. How can you fix that sort of thing with so many fixtures and such little time?

    “Every team makes mistakes in every match. We do have very little time at the moment. We use videos and I talk to my players all the time. Some things just happen in games. We're constantly working to improve on the things we're doing wrong.”

    You have to hand in your UEFA squad list by 3 August. Are you worried you might not have Chris Smalling?

    “I'm 100% focused on Fiorentina at the moment. I'm not thinking about the Europa League.”

    When you pulled Zaniolo up last week, it caused quite an uproar. Will you think twice next time or do the same thing again?

    “Look, this is a non-situation in my book. I've always said the truth and there's no issue here. You get problems at all clubs but the only thing that matters is you solve them. We spoke about it and everything is fine. It's simply not a situation.”

    What do you think of the rumours linking Edin Dzeko with a move away from the club? How much would Roma lose if he did leave?

    “I'm not thinking about transfers; I'm focused on Fiorentina and it's going to be a tough match.”

    How is Dzeko? Is he as unhappy as he appears to be from the outside?

    “He's not unhappy; he's very motivated.”

    Given that Jordan Veretout is suspended in the Europa League, could Henrikh Mkhitaryan or Lorenzo Pellegrini play in front of the defence?

    “I'm not thinking about that now. I'm only concerned with this match against Fiorentina.”

    Are Aleksandar Kolarov and Bruno Peres ok to start this one or do they need a rest?

    “They could play tomorrow.”

    Are Roma man-marking more in defence now than they used to?

    “No, we don't man-mark. There are areas where we attack and close down our opponents. That's what it comes down to.”

    Roma produced one of their best performances of the season in the reverse fixture in Florence. Which of the two teams is in better form coming into this match?

    “We've changed the way we play but Fiorentina are in great shape. They've got a bit of an unbeaten run going and they're playing well. It will be a different game and a very difficult one against an in-form side.”

    Napoli are already sure of a Europa League place while AC Milan drew with Atalanta and have an easier fixture list on paper. Does that mean this match against Fiorentina could prove decisive in securing fifth place?

    “There are no easy games in this league and I don't know if AC Milan's fixture list is easier than ours but it's important that we win tomorrow against a team in good form. It will be difficult but we want to win.”