Di Francesco's pre-Chievo press conference

The game at the Bentegodi gets underway at 20:30 local time.

Read what Di Francesco had to say, as he was asked about the injury status of the squad, the chances the likes of Patrik Schick, Alessandro Florenzi and Rick Karsdorp have of starting, and the form of Nicolo Zaniolo.

Will the game against Porto on Tuesday affect your team selection for tomorrow's match against Chievo?

“There are a few players who won't be in the squad due to various injury problems. [Robin] Olsen is unavailable because of a calf problem and [Kostas] Manolas has a groin issue. They'll both stay in Rome and hopefully they'll be ok for Tuesday. We need to assess [Daniele] De Rossi because he came in and played 90 minutes, and he's been training well, but he's not really ready to play back-to-back fixtures. I'm pleased with his condition, though.

"Juan Jesus has recovered quicker than expected and he's fit again so he'll be in the squad. He's looking good despite having been out for nearly a month.”

Roma have dropped 12 points against the so-called small teams. Why do you think that is and what's the danger for you tomorrow?

“It's happened to us but it's happened to other teams too. These teams make a real battle of it and they work hard on the defensive side of their game. We've been rather inconsistent ourselves. There have been times when we've dominated and not been able to put the game to bed. We must take our chances better and defend as we know how to, as we did against AC Milan.”

Could Rick Karsdorp and Patrik Schick play on the right flank again tomorrow?

“It's something we could try again tomorrow or in other games. Rick has been doing better defensively – that's an area of his game which, coming from another league, is more likely to need work on. He's done well. He's given us balance and his reading of the game has been good. Patrik has added that bit energy and aggressiveness that every footballer needs.”

Is Steven Nzonzi capable of supporting two attacking midfielders, as De Rossi does?

“They possess different attributes but both provide balance to the midfield. Nzonzi can play there with different attributes. We've played more than 20 games using 4-2-3-1, some of which were excellent. Where we've come up short is our consistency. Regardless of the formation, it's your approach that makes the difference. I like 4-3-3 because of what it allows you to do. We might use it against Chievo, or alternatively go with 4-2-3-1.”

Does Nicolo Zaniolo need to rest or will he play again?

“He'll play again. Mentally he's in a good place at the moment and I want to make the most of his youthful energy, his desire and determination. He needs to improve his decision-making at times – sometimes he tries a bit too hard, but I like that exuberance in my players.”

Could Edin Dzeko and Schick play together again tomorrow?

“They could, yes, just as Karsdorp and Schick could both feature on the right again. Physically you can't expect a response four days after Florence, when we were disastrous from a physical point of view. Other things come into it. Fitness comes more from training than matches. The lads have been training well and I'm pleased with that but, as I always say, that's not enough in itself.”

Will Juan Jesus or Ivan Marcano play tomorrow?

“It's unlikely Juan Jesus will start the game. He's got a bit of confidence back but let's not forget how he went off – it looked like he was going to need an operation. Just having him available is already a bonus.”

How did you make Schick understand that he needs to put in the yards and chase the opposition full-back?

“There was an unusual atmosphere at the stadium last Sunday but he's improved in that sense. There have been other games where he's won lots of balls in the air. His confidence has grown but it's not just down to the coach – it's everything around him. You get to a point in your career when you have to step up the mental side of your game, your attitude and your hunger. You need to get dirty if you want to play football – it's not just style and panache. And you need to do it consistently.”

Alessandro Florenzi is not going through the best of spells at the moment. How do you think he's doing? Could Karsdorp's improvement give him extra motivation?

“Competition for places always gives you motivation. Alessandro sat out for a while because of flu and it affected him a little. I'm sure he'll soon be back on his game. He's always ready to help the team. We're all struggling a bit at the moment but we'll produce the results and performances needed to get these players back to the level they're capable of.”

Have you spoken to Aleksandar Kolarov about that incident with a fan at the train station in Rome?

“We're all human beings and we all make mistakes. At this moment in time and in a place like Rome, these things get emphasised more. He's very sorry. What I can say is that Kolarov has always shown his commitment to his job and to this club. He played for a month and a half with a broken foot – and couldn't walk after games – in order to help the coach, his team-mates and Roma. Then things happen which people could draw a line under. Kolarov is very important for this team and I hope everyone will get behind him again. He's always given 100% in everything he does.”

How's Antonio Mirante? And what kind of goalkeeper is Daniel Fuzato?

“Fuzato has come on leaps and bounds thanks to the excellent job done by [goalkeeping coach] Marco Savorani. He's still a bit inexperienced and Mirante will play against Chievo as he's over his calf problem, but Fuzato is a highly promising keeper who's getting better by the day.”

What's going on with Javier Pastore? Is it a fitness issue or has he not adjusted to your tactics?

“It's lots of things together. He hasn't been able to play very regularly either, which is partly my fault. He always trains well but there's a difference between a match and training,. He needs to keep training well and doing his job. At the moment he's got Zaniolo in front of him, who's doing brilliantly. We need everyone though and I hope he'll soon get back to being the player we all know he can be.”