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Here's what the boss had to say.
What sort of performance are you expecting from your players after their convincing display against Atalanta?
“It means a lot just to be taking part in this tournament and of course it's different to Serie A. What I expect is that we're ourselves because we've come here to play with the qualities we've shown over the course of the last year. Clearly the level is a lot higher here – you're up against the best teams from every league – but we must make sure we maintain our identity.”
What will it take to win tomorrow? You spoke about the 'head and heart' of every player. Is that all that's needed or will you require something else?
“We must show our opponents a great deal of respect. They have some top players. We must believe in our ability and play our football while keeping on our toes and producing the things we're capable of. We know we can cause problems for them.”
Do you see any similarities between this Roma team and your Atalanta side in their first year in the Champions League?
“Here we have players who have played European football and in the Champions League before. For Atalanta it was the first time ever. Roma haven't played in the Champions League for a few seasons but they've been playing regularly in the Europa League. That said, you have to be wary of the initial impact this competition can have, certainly in the first match. There haven't been any previous meetings with these opponents and that adds a novel element not just for us but for them too.”
You've played 34 matches in the Champions League as a coach. How important is experience in a competition like this?
“It gives me a great sense of satisfaction to take Roma back into the Champions League. Here you get to see how you measure up against the best teams from different countries and great players who can turn a match in a moment. The most important thing is to stay in the game at all times and to really believe in your own ability. Will I change the team? You have to rotate when you have so many games back to back. This year we have more players who can play regularly without a drop in performance levels.”
What were your conclusions after seeing Vincenzo Italiano's Besiktas beat Fenerbahce?
“That's not the only game I've seen. I watched the ones against Lyon and Sturm Graz too. I've tried to see as much of this team and their players as possible. They're a top team, regardless of their defeat in their last league game.”
How is Paulo Dybala?
“Everyone is fine. Beating Atalanta the way we did in the final minutes of the game was a massive boost for everyone, but it's in the past now. We've had a few days to recover. Apart from [Lorenzo] Pellegrini, who's not quite ready to return, everyone else is available for selection.”
Fenerbahce will be missing two key players tomorrow in Marco Asensio and Matteo Guendouzi. How big an impact could their absence have?
“They're both great players but Fenerbahce have a very strong squad this year. Sadly players sometimes have to miss matches like this, be it through injury or suspension, but it doesn't mean anything. Regardless of their missing players we'll be up against an excellent Fenerbahce side.
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