AS Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco held a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Serie A fixture at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milano’s San Siro district with kick-off scheduled for 20.45 CET at the Giallorossi’s training centre in Trigoria.

Di Francesco began by underlining what he expects to see from his team: I want to see substance in what we do and for the team to show freedom, ability and quality play once again. To improve and grow, you need the courage to face fear head on. We’ve done a lot of tactical assessment to bring about improvements. Above all, we need to improve the way we threaten teams and be decisive in front of goal.”

The former Sassuolo coach was asked if Edin Dzeko will take part in the fixture given the transfer rumours surrounding him as well as the physical status of other players confirming that: “Yes. Dzeko is more than up for the game and really wants to do well. He’ll definitely be in the starting line-up and I hope he’s decisive, as he has been many times before. Daniele De Rossi will be in the squad, in the hope we can have him back for tomorrow. Gonalons and Perotti won’t be in contention because of their injuries. We hope Perotti will be back for the home game against Sampdoria. Gonalons will need more time. On Alessandro Florenzi, I’ve always said he’s got the ability to play deep, or high up the pitch, or centrally. As for who I pick, it will depend on how De Rossi recovers.

“The team is in better shape and as for Patrik Schick – you’re always asking me the same questions – he needs time to develop. I hear that he should be playing in different formations, but when players don’t feel free in their mind it’s tough to play in any position. He needs get back his fitness and rediscover himself. The answers will only come on the pitch but I’m happy with the way he trained during the week.”