Smalling: We didn't perform like we have been recently

The Giallorossi succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I think there are crucial moments in the game and we will all study this game and try to understand why, especially after that second goal, heads dropped and we gave them the ascendancy,” Smalling said.

“We need to reflect and then focus on the next games, because ultimately we knew if we won this game we would be so close to that first position, and now it’s about making sure there’s a reaction and we push on. Because tonight was not a true reflection of how we have been playing.”

Entering the evening third in the Serie A standings, the manner of the defeat was as disappointing as the result.

“It’s hard to put into words how disappointed we are all feeling tonight,” Smalling said.

“A lot of disappointment. How we have been playing recently, that is not a fair reflection of how we have been doing. Mistakes led to two of their goals and after the second goal I think it made the match extremely difficult. But there was still a lot of time to be played. Just pure disappointment tonight. For everyone. For the whole club.”

He added: “Mistakes can happen in any game but when it is a big game, and it is early in the game, it changes the tempo of the game. Because I think we were controlling the ball and playing well up until then. But it is still no excuse, there was still a lot of time left in the game.

“But I think we struggled to get in behind them, they sat in deep for a lot of the game and made it difficult for us. It is very disappointing.”

The Giallorossi have back-to-back cup and league games against Spezia next week, a chance to immediately bounce back from this latest setback.

“I agree. In all games there are mistakes, there are things that happen that are beyond your control,” he said.

“But I think we can all agree that there was enough time to get back into the game and turn things around.

“We have to look at how we can change the mindset, especially after that second goal. But we don’t have too much time to feel sorry for ourselves and be disappointed, because big teams need to react and ultimately we have two important games next week and everyone needs to have a reaction because we can’t let this change how we have been playing and dominating games recently.

“So we need a big reaction next week, with two home games.”