Di Francesco: I thought it was going to take longer to implement my ideas

Read what the Roma boss had to say about his side's aspirations for this season, his thoughts on the contenders for the Serie A crown, and how he is settling back into the unique environment that surrounds the club.

Can Roma win?

"The Scudetto? Let’s forget about that for now. We want to give other teams a headache. If we continue improving and get through more tests like the game in Turin, we can speak about that further down the line."

You take on Juventus in Turin on Saturday. What kind of game are you expecting?

"They’re getting better. Juve have their cutting edge and clinical streak back – they’re giving off the impression that teams don’t trouble them at the moment, just like when they were at their peak. Did you see the 0-0 draw against Inter? They didn’t win, but they deserved to."

Do you fear an Allianz Stadium hoodoo?

"No hoodoos here – I’m thinking positively. It’s the first time I’ve played there with Roma. If I do have a personal hoodoo then it’s more linked to Inter, because I conceded seven to them on two occasions with Sassuolo."

Are you enjoying the league this season?

"In some ways it’s been quite surprising. The increased level of competition spurs me on and I think it’s going to be between the top five for the title. I’ll put Lazio in there too, despite the fact that they’re a bit behind."

Give us one reason why Napoli can win the league.

"Napoli can win the Scudetto because they’ve put teamwork at the centre of everything. They have the best movement. To those who say that repetition makes you predictable, I would say that repetition breeds greater confidence."

What about Inter?

"Inter can be the surprise package. They’re not in Europe and that’s a considerable advantage. [Luciano] Spalletti has a good squad and some very clear ideas. You don’t go 16 games unbeaten by chance."

And Juve?

"Among other things, Juve are in a winning habit. And the Bianconeri are led by a ‘European’ coach."

Why do you say European?

"[Massimiliano] Allegri knows how to manage players and situations. He has great confidence in his ability."

Are psychology and tactics equally important in your eyes, or is one more important than the other?

"Football is about technique, physical strength and psychology. If I had to put a percentage on it, I’d say 30%, 30% and 40%."

How much time do you spend speaking to the players?

"Players want to know why they have to do certain things – it’s not like it once was. Before, you’d tell them to walk through fire and they would. Now you have to be able to explain the reasons behind your requests."

Was that your biggest worry when you took over from Spalletti at Roma?

"The biggest difficulty was to bring in my own ideas rather than copying him. I thought it was going to take longer…"

Let’s look back at that disappointing defeat to Inter at the Olimpico in late August. It created a bit of discontent around the club…

"We ruined an entire week’s work in 15 minutes, but that defeat was part of our journey of growth."

How hard is it to focus on that journey in a city that demands so much, so quickly?

"It’s not easy to disconnect yourself from everything around you here. Everybody in Rome likes to talk about us on a daily basis, from the artist to the comedian. You just have to realise that and be able to take it the right way. If it tried to respond to it then I’d waste a lot of energy."

There is a lot of talk though…

"I never listen to the radio – not interested. My experience as a player at Roma helps me because I’m used to a lot of it."

There seems to be a divide between coaches who rotate a lot and coaches that stick with a set team this year…

"Rotation is a calculated risk and a way of making all of the players feel part of the project. I do it, so does Allegri. He doesn’t make these changes to show off. Other teams could do it too, but they don’t want to."

Carlo Ancelotti or Antonio Conte?

"I like how calm Ancelotti is and the way he’s able to build a bond with his team. Conte is an amazing motivator and works hard on the training ground. I think I’m somewhere in between the two."

On the subject of Ancelotti, how important is it to stay at a club for a sustained period of time, like he did at AC Milan?

"It’s very important, which is why I’d like to stay at Roma for a long time. This club has laid the foundations to go on and achieve big things. As Monchi says, its faith and confidence that are important, not your contract…"

Who do you think has been the stand-out player in the league so far?

"[Dries] Mertens. He’s come up with a new way of playing as a striker – he can really unbalance a team."

A bit like Francesco Totti a few years ago…

"Yes, but as a youngster Francesco was always a striker. Well, he could always do everything. I remember [Fabio] Capello used to play him as a deep-lying playmaker in training – he was amazing there too."

How would you rate Totti as a director?

"He is able to direct things from behind a desk. We chat a lot. He knows lots of the guys in the dressing room and gives me advice on how to handle them."

Can Patrick Schick be a success here?

"I’m getting to know him – it’s too early to judge. I’ve been impressed by his physical and technical ability. He needs time and patience to become a top player. If Allegri says that Dybala needs to improve, just think how far Schick has to go."

You put forward Vincenzo Montella as the next Italy boss. Why?

"He has the ability to do it. And the style."

You also came out in support of Damiano Tommasi for FIGC president…

"He has the necessary quality to understand everyone’s needs. Anyway, it’s time for a former player to be in the top job."