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Di Francesco, Perotti speak ahead of Atletico

John Solano
I

Roma manager Eusebio Di Francesco and attacker Diego Perotti spoke today at a press conference ahead of their pivotal Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid. These are their words:

DI FRANCESCO

What did you say to the players after the Derby victory? How is Nainggolan
We have confronted a huge Derby and we will be well prepared for this clash, ahead of us is a team that has always done well in European play. There is a good opportunity in front of us but you have to confront the match in order to bring a positive result home, so the guys are motivated. Nainggolan has been called, meaning it is available.

Possible Gerson starts in attack?
Gerson could be given a chance, I think he has done well in that role but I won’t reveal anything about the formation.

What kind of match do you expect from Atletico?
I have seen their recent matches and they’re always aggressive and will be even more-so tomorrow. We will have to respond by trying to stay in their midfield, knowing that this is a very difficult place to play, we are aware of that, but we must have the awareness that we are growing so much.

PEROTTI

What’s behind your return to scoring?
Luckily I’m seeing the goal more, it’s always been important. I am enjoying this moment, it’s important to help the team and that’s what I always want to do. Nothing changes if someone else scores, but I definitely like to score.

Has anything changed between last year and this year?
Certainly, I think my way of playing is more complete, I was always used to playing in the open and receiving ball our wide. Now I try to take the ball between the lines and aim more towards the center in order to get closer to the goal.

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