Fonseca: League table doesn't tell truth about Torino

The Giallorossi host Marco Giampaolo's side at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night, with kick-off at 20:45 local time.

Here's what the boss said ahead of the contest...

Is the last meeting with Torino at the Olimpico a reminder of the difficulties this game could pose? And what have you made of Marco Giampaolo’s side this season?

“A game that happened 11 months ago doesn’t have any impact. What matters is the quality Torino possess. They are a good side, I don’t think the league table shows their true level. It will be a tough game, against an organised side who want to play and take possession. We need to be at our best if we want to win.”

With Bryan Cristante suspended, how are Gianluca Mancini and Marash Kumbulla?

“Kumbulla is fine, there’s no strain. Mancini is ready to play just as Smalling is. We’ll see tomorrow.”

Romelu Lukaku has said that he thinks he is among the five best strikers in the world. Would you put Edin Dzeko in that five as well?

“I don’t agree with Lukaku. In my opinion the best two are Edin Dzeko and Borja Mayoral. And third is Henrikh Mkhitaryan.”

The team is on a roll right now. What are you telling your side in order to maintain that?

“Ambition, ambition in every game. I don’t worry about the numbers. What matters is the present. We always need to focus on the next game. So that’s Torino, which won’t be easy.”

Have you changed something in the fitness training in order to maintain such high fitness levels?

“It’s hard to change the physical preparations when we are playing games every three days and don’t have much time to train – but clearly we are going well. We have been working together for longer, and then good results bring extra motivation too.”

Do you consider this game tougher than the one against Bologna?

“I thought it was going to be tough to win against Bologna, and I think it will be tough to win against Torino as well. It’s difficult to win against anyone in Serie A.”

With Cristante’s suspension, do you think there is a difference in how Roma are treated compared to other clubs in similar situation?

“For me that’s not a topic of discussion.”

The transfer window opens soon. What is needed to reinforce this side?

“We are just thinking about the game against Torino, there’s still time before we have to think about the transfer window in January.”

Is Rick Karsdorp capable of playing three games within the space of a week? Do you think getting him back to this level is a roll of the dice that's paid off?

“We have to pay special attention to that. He’s doing well in terms of his fitness, but it’s still difficult for him to play three games in such a short space of time.”

Should we expect you to make lots of changes tomorrow, even if it’s another Serie A game?

“I would prefer not to change a lot – but we have this situation with Karsdorp, we have the suspension of Cristante. And then I don’t understand why Roma has to play on Thursday, giving us less than 72 hours to recovery for the weekend, when everyone else plays tonight.”

Torino are in trouble right now. What dangers do you see in this game?

“We can’t think about what the league table says. Torino have come close to winning lots of their games. That shows they have quality. They are a side that can always score goals, that defend well. It’ll be tough.”

How is Antonio Mirante doing now? Will Pau Lopez start tomorrow?

“Antonio is better, but Pau will start the game tomorrow.”