Smalling: The three points were so important

The defender headed home early on as the Giallorossi eventually beat Lecce 2-1 on Sunday night at the Stadio Olimpico - with Paulo Dybala converting the eventual winner from the penalty spot.

Although it was occasionally nervy against the visitors, who spent much of the game down to 10 men, Smalling was adamant in the aftermath that the result was the most important thing.

““We're happy with the win - we know we can play better than we did today, but the three points were the most important thing," he said.

"We created a lot of chances, but the two goals were enough in the end. We know we can all improve and need to work hard to do so."