Fonseca: The ball just wouldn't go in today

Read everything coach Paulo Fonseca had to say following Roma's 2-0 defeat against Torino on Sunday evening.

Andrea Belotti got both goals for the visitors, in what was a disappointing start to 2020 for the Giallorossi.

Did the Christmas break contribute to this poor start?

“No – it wasn't a matter of attitude. The team did several things very well. We had 31 shots in total, but the ball just wouldn’t go in today. We didn't have a great game, but we still managed to create enough opportunities to score two or three goals.”

In the first half Torino caused you a lot of problems, particularly when it came to your build up play - was that what held you back?

“There were difficulties in the first phase of build-up, with Amadou Diawara and Jordan Veretout – that’s true. However in the first seven minutes of the game alone we managed to create several opportunities. During the interval we talked about this and the team understood what needed to change. Today we could have spent another 90 minutes trying to score, but the ball wouldn't have gone in.”

There were more defensive errors today compared to other games. Torino caused problems on the right wing especially.

“Yes, we had a hard time down the right channel. Torino always had three players in that area of the pitch, which caused us problems, particularly in the first period. They are very good on the counterattack – with Andrea Belotti they can stretch you but we needed to stay more compact at times.”

Physically your team looked more fatigued. Did you do some physical work ahead of the second phase of the campaign?

“I don't think the problem was physical. We ended the game creating many chances – it's not a physical matter. The team did well in that respect.”

Is there anything in particular that you didn't expect from Torino, and which surprised you?

“No, I expected a game like this: a defensive Torino side, always ready to hit us on the break. It didn't surprise me.”

Juventus are the next challenge. How's Nicolo Zaniolo doing?

“I haven't talked to him yet – we'll see how he is.”