Interview: Zaniolo fired up for semi-final opportunity

The Giallorossi travel to England this week, as they prepare to face Leicester City on Thursday night in the first leg of their semi-final clash.

Here's what Zaniolo had to say to UEFA's official website ahead of the game...

His memories of the Bodo game...

“It was the perfect game. We managed both the defensive and attacking side of the game brilliantly. As far as my hat-trick goes, I'm happy that it helped the team to win the game and go through to the next round."

On scoring goals...

"Goals have never been an obsession for me - I prefer to play well and win the match, even if that means I don't score. Luckily in that game I was able to score three and help the team get the win, so I'm happy.

"It was my first hat-trick, and I couldn't have dreamed of anything better! A sold-out stadium, 65,000 people there for the quarter-final of a European competition, a crucial game in the campaign. It's exactly what I would have dreamed of."

“Il gol non è la mia ossessione”

"Non è mai stato la mia ossessione il gol, anche perché preferisco fare una grandissima prestazione e vincere la partita anche non segnando. Per fortuna sono riuscito a fare tre gol e ad aiutare la squadra, quindi sono ancora di più felice”.

“La mia prima tripletta? L'avevo sognata così! Non l'avevo immaginata. Stadio pieno, 65mila persone e quarti di finale di una coppa europea, partita decisiva dell'anno. Sì, l’avevo sognata così. Dico la verità, a inizio partita era difficile pensarlo, che potesse succedere, però alla fine ci sono riuscito e sono felicissimo”.

On Jose Mourinho's attributes...

“He's one of the best coaches in the world! He's instilled in all of us the importance of never giving up, to stay focused, to stay united in order to bring home results. We want to win something with him.

"From the first day we all joined up together at Trigoria, we have worked day-by-day and session-by-session to achieve something special this season. With a coach who knows what it takes to win, I think we have more of a chance of doing that."

On the prospect of facing Leicester...

“We are playing in a European semi-final. Leicester are a strong side. They run a lot, they are a physical group, a typical English side in that sense. But we are good too, we are Roma, we have shown this season that we are capable of playing well against anyone. We won't have any fear, we will go there to play to our strengths and means and see what we can do.

"Winning the Conference League would be something to be proud of; it would be a starting point for us. It would mean a huge amount to the fans as well. Fourteen years waiting for a trophy is a bit too long, so this year we want to try our best to bring it home."