Fonseca: We want to show how good we are

The game at the San Siro gets underway at 20:45 CET.

Here's what Paulo Fonseca told reporters...

It’s a game between two great strikers, Edin Dzeko and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. What qualities does Dzeko have that Ibra doesn’t, and vice-versa?

“They are two incredibly important players for their teams. I don’t want to make comparisons; I don’t work with Ibrahimovic every day. I know Dzeko well, I can talk about him and say just how important he is for a team.

"They are two players who play in the same sort of areas, with similar characteristics. I think Edin, who is an incredible player, is feeling good and motivated. He’ll be key.”

For Milan this game could underline their title credentials. Do you think Roma have a worse squad than the Rossoneri?

“Milan are in great form, they are doing well under the coach they have. But we are in good form too – and we are fired up and full of confidence. It will be an interesting game tactically, with two sides aiming to win. We want to show that we are a great side. We’ll play to win.”

Over the last few days, given the rise in Covid-19 cases, discussions have started again about the possibility of play-offs and play-outs to decide Serie A. Would you be in favour of that?

“I think that we will be able to see things through to the end, like we are now, by being responsible. I think we will be able to manage that. Beyond that then, of course, there is some concern about the situation in general. All of us need to stay alert, respect the regulations, it’s a difficult period for everyone. All of us need to be responsible.”

Will Antonio Mirante play tomorrow? And will Pau Lopez then continue in the Europa League?

“Mirante will start tomorrow, then in Europe we shall see. I will decide things game-by-game.”

On Thursday you selected a few players who haven’t been in consideration so far this season. Did you want to underline your lack of options in some positions?

“No. The key thing is that we won. We were able to rest a few key players for the game against Milan and we managed to start a few guys who had not played. It was important for us to be able to do that. I didn’t want to do anything beyond that – if we don’t rest important players then they won’t be able to do as much in games.”

What do you think makes Ibrahimovic able to perform to this level when he is 39?

“To be in this sort of shape at 39 shows that he must be a top professional. Otherwise you just don’t last that long at this level, playing like that. But anyway, tomorrow’s game is against AC Milan – not just against Ibrahimovic. I am not preparing for the game focusing on one player, but considering the overall quality of Pioli’s side.”

With Aleksandar Kolarov’s departure there is no real specialist free-kick taker in the squad. Are you looking at that situation?

“After every training session we work on free-kicks with four or five different players. For me, right now, Lorenzo Pellegrini is the best. But we have others too: Jordan Veretout, Bryan Cristante, Henrikh Mkhitaryan.”

A tactical question: whether or not you play with three or four in defence, you tend to play with a very high line. But do you need to change that based on the characteristics of the players available? If Cristante and Federico Fazio start, can you keep the same line you would if it was Smalling and Ibanez playing?

“I get the question. It’s true we have some defenders who are a bit faster than others, but it depends more on the game and the characteristics of the opposition and our players. We can play higher or not. The team is prepared to play in a three- or four-man defence, and with a high line or a deeper line too.”

At right-back you have now used all three players you have in the squad – have you chosen your preferred option in that position?

“For tomorrow’s game I know who will start – but beyond that I will decide on a game-by-game basis."

Since the lockdown Milan have been the most effective side, seemingly on and off the pitch. Do you think there is similar harmony and unity within Roma?

“We have created a strong identity. That only happens when everyone works together. The results of the last few games show that we have that unity and that we are full of confidence.”

How long will it take for us to see who are the real title contenders?

“In my opinion there are two main contenders for the Scudetto: Juventus and Inter Milan. Then, after that, there are a few teams who are capable of having a great season. What’s happened so far this season shows that every game is going to be difficult for every side. It’s very competitive.”

How is Chris Smalling doing?

“He’s doing well, but he won’t be ready for the game against Milan. I think that he will be available for the next Europa League game [on Thursday].”