Cristante ready for 'different' emotions as Atalanta come to Olimpico

Ahead of what could be a unique occasion for the Italy international, Cristante sat down with the club's match programme to discuss the contest...

Let’s start with the Torino game – your first win of the season. You had to really scrap for it and claimed the points courtesy of a late goal...

“We managed to start the campaign with a win and it’s always important to get off on the right foot. Sure, we had to sweat for it but that’s always the case in Serie A – and the first few games are even harder.”

You were a second-half substitute and made an immediate impression after coming on. How did it feel to make your Roma debut?

“It felt great. I came on in the second half and did my bit for the team. We got the goal very late but you can see that we’re slowly starting to gel.”

How well do you feel you’ve settled at the club now after these first two months?

“It’s going well. I was lucky to join a great group of lads who helped me settle in from day one. It’s been very easy to be honest and now that we’ve started playing games I’ll get used to the team and my team-mates even more quickly.”

Has Eusebio Di Francesco asked you do anything specific on the pitch?

“He wants us to buy into his philosophy and he tries to explain his ideas to us. He likes to keep the ball moving and wants us to press the opposition high up the pitch. It’s a modern brand of football.”

All the big teams struggled on the opening weekend. Why do you think that is?

“The Italian league is always tough, whether you’re facing the top or the bottom team. There are no easy games. The first few matches of the season are even more difficult because it’s still very hot and teams are yet to hone their understanding and reach peak fitness. It’s a gradual process.”

Your first home game for Roma is against your former club Atalanta. Will it feel a bit different to other games?

“It will definitely be different. I’ll meet the lads I spent the last two seasons with. We got on really well and shared some great times, both in Serie A and Europe. I’ll basically be meeting up with old friends!”

“It will definitely be different [playing Atalanta]. I’ll meet the lads I spent the last two seasons with. We got on really well and shared some great times, both in Serie A and Europe. I’ll basically be meeting up with old friends!”

- Bryan Cristante

Monchi has described you as the best Italian midfielder in Serie A last season. What did you learn from your time at Atalanta and how much influence did Gian Piero Gasperini have on your development?

“The 18 months I spent in Bergamo were a fantastic experience in every sense. I was welcomed into a great group and made some really good friends. I thoroughly enjoyed myself on the pitch too thanks to the fans, the club and Gasperini, who I’m very grateful to.”

Atalanta have a few new faces but the core of the team is unchanged. Who do you think Roma need to be particularly wary of?

“Their most dangerous player is without doubt Papu Gomez. When he’s on form he can cause problems for anyone in the final third. He’s the sort of player who wins games for you.”

Atalanta also have the advantage of having started their season before everyone else. Do you think that will give them the edge fitness-wise?

“They’ve got a fair few games under their belts so they’re already up to match speed. They’ve had time to try things out and work on their understanding, which is something you build up over time the more you play. I think the extra games do give them a slight advantage.”

Monday’s match will also be your first in front of your new fans. Are you looking forward to experiencing the Giallorossi faithful first hand?

“I can’t wait. I’ve only ever been an opponent at the Olimpico and I’m really looking forward to seeing the home fans.”

Now that you’ve got the first win on the board, what do you think Roma can do this season?

“I think we can have a great season – and this team has had lots of those in recent years. Roma can and must be up there challenging for the top spots.

"We need to keep working hard as we have been and playing as we did last Sunday, leaving everything on the pitch. If we keep doing that, I’m sure we’ll have a great season.”