Di Francesco's pre-AC Milan press conference in full

Coach Eusebio Di Francesco held his usual pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon, to preview the Serie A clash against AC Milan.

The game at San Siro gets underway at 18:00 CEST on Sunday.

Read everything the boss had to say in the transcript below.

How do you think your team has fared over this busy run of games? Where have you seen the most improvement?

“The lads have improved in lots of areas and we've secured some great results. There have been games where we performed well for the full 90 minutes and others where we were less consistent. I'm pleased with the progress we've made in our build-up play and in staying compact as a unit but we need to be tighter both in possession and when not in possession. We'll keep working on it.”

Vincenzo Montella says you're a real friend he wishes you all the best. What's your relationship with him like?

“He's like a brother to me because of everything we've been through together, starting at Empoli when we were young and trying to make a name for ourselves. We've kept in touch over the years. I have lots of friends in football and Vincenzo is like a brother. I wish him all the best too.”

What memory do you have of the Scudetto you won together in 2001?

“We roomed together for two years. It was cheeky and jokey back then and he's stayed the same way as a coach. He hasn't lost his ability to communicate – or crack a joke – and that's part of what makes him such a good coach. He knows what to say in the dressing room and he's very good at adapting to his players to get the most out of them. He might switch playing system but he always maintains the same philosophy, which is to hurt the opposition.”

Tomorrow will be a match-up between two sides who have changed in different ways since last season: AC Milan in their personnel and Roma the coach.

“I think we'll learn a lot from this game. It won't decide anything either way but it's important we stay up near the top of the table. Roma have changed playing philosophy and with time, hard work and good results we've grown in confidence. I hope that will help us tomorrow. AC Milan have changed a lot but they've brought in top quality players with a strong mentality.”

How's Cengiz Under coming along? Do you think he's ready for a game like tomorrow's?

“He'd definitely be ready. He's starting to speak Italian and that's important but the main thing is he understands the language of football. I try not to place too much responsibility on young players but I know he's an excellent option even if he doesn't start.”

There have been a lot of muscle and knee injuries at Roma over the last four years. Do you know why that is?

“It's too complicated a matter to go into. We have had a lot of injuries and cruciate injuries can be down to the number of games we play. The pitches aren't heavy here, unlike when I was at Sassuolo. The pace is different though and a four-hour flight to Baku could cause a few problems. It would be wrong to point the finger at any one thing.

"When you play this game you know that small injuries often happen when you try to increase the tempo. That's why it's so important that players lead a healthy lifestyle. I have to do my part by instilling a strong work ethic.”

AC Milan were down as one of the favourites this season while people keep writing Roma off. Does that annoy you or just motivate you?

“It doesn't make any difference to me. All that matters is what happens on the pitch, your results and your attitude. It's fine by me if we're not favourites as it means we have less responsibility to carry around on our shoulders. Everyone expects a lot from us and if we want to be a great team we must do well tomorrow – that's crucial if we want to keep aiming higher.”

Kostas Manolas said that if you win in Milan it would send out a message to the rest of the league. Do you agree?

“If we win, the headlines will be that Roma are in it. We'd be back in the race. That's where we want to be and it's only right that we should be aiming for it. Results determine how people think but we must keep working to stay up near the top regardless. We have to play with the right mindset – not with arrogance but with the belief that we can go there and take three points off a great team. It's right that we should be aiming for three points in Milan.”

How do you explain Belgium not calling up Radja Nainggolan?

“Technically speaking, Radja is one of the best players in Europe. Every coach makes his decisions based on the playing system he wants to use. I'm sorry for Radja but I hope it motivates him to do even better for Roma. I'm certainly very happy to have him here.”

It's said that people quickly lose patience with coaches in Rome but then we see what happens in Milan and at Bayern...

“You should ask yourselves about patience. [Carlo] Ancelotti was sacked and I'm sorry for him but he's already been linked with four or five other jobs. I understand you want to sell newspapers but sometimes people go over the top. We're still in September. People are too hasty to make judgements after five games.”

Have you seen the goal Francesco Totti scored in a friendly yesterday?

“No, I haven't seen it but you never lose class. Even when he plays cards, he's the best. He's a winner in everything he does.”