Cristante: The task is to confirm top spot in the group

Bryan Cristante faced the media on Wednesday, answering questions ahead of the Europa League Group A game against Young Boys.

The match (21:00 CET at the Stadio Olimpico) could see the Giallorossi clinch top spot in the group - having already booked their places in the knockout stages of the competition.

Here's what the midfielder had to say going into the game...

Against Napoli, the team seemed disorganised and easy to break down for the first time this season. Now come?

“We definitely didn’t play well and we know that. We have analysed our mistakes, now we want to look forward and do better.”

Against Napoli you struggled to build from the back compared to normal. Can you explain why that was the case?

“As I said, we didn’t play well. It was a one-off, we got ourselves into trouble and clearly Napoli deserve credit for that too. But tomorrow we want to get back to playing our way.”

The coach has given you a role in the team a bit like Leonardo Bonucci – asked to build out from the back too. But a few months ago you said you’d prefer to play further forward…

“Right now I’m needed in that role. Clearly, with more time, I’m getting a bit more confident and comfortable in the position. Right now the squad has that need, and then in the future we’ll see where the coach wants to use me.”

Has there been any talk within the squad about why you can’t win big games?

“No, honestly there hasn’t been because it’s not something that’s true. We haven’t talked about it, we don’t need to talk about it. Against other big sides we’ve pretty much always played well, I can’t remember many defeats.”

Where are Young Boys dangerous?

“They are a good side, they press well and they play with a high tempo. They are doing well in the group. We need to put in a good performance to make sure we clinch top spot in the group.”