Ranieri speaks after Venezia v Roma

Here’s what he had to say…

You seem to be particularly overjoyed…

“Indeed, I’m really satisfied because I knew how hard the match would be. I was aware that in order to get a result here we’d have to perform really well, because Venezia's last 10 matches have ended by only a one-goal margin. My lads were well aware that they’d be up against it today.”

The win came about with the elements and characteristics you’d talked about in your pre-match press conference, and you coped with being under the cosh against a cantankerous opponent. Your team responded well ahead of Roma’s big game on Thursday.

“The lads were wonderful – they did everything we asked of them. They were attentive - Venezia made a lot of passing moves but we were constantly focused on every ball. In terms of our determination and desire to grind out a result, I think this was our best performance so far.”

All of your substitutes showed great attitude.

"Except for the second half of the Como match, I’ve always thanked my players, because they never give less than 100%. Maybe that’s not always possible but trying is the most important thing. Sometimes there will be players who’ll be at 60 or 70%, and it’s down to me to see who’s no longer in the right condition to give 100% and I have to replace them. Since I've been Roma coach those who’ve come on the pitch have always tried to give their best.”

Are you happier for Roma’s second away win in a row in the league or for the clean sheet?

"Maybe it wasn't a great match from a footballing performance point of view, but in terms of application, determination and focus, I'm totally satisfied. We’ve now got a huge match in Porto and we must try to progress to the next round. It won't be easy, but we’ll give it our all, like in every match.”

Ranieri will be truly satisfied at the end of the season if his Roma...?

"...keep on doing everything they’ve doing so far. This’s what I want the most. I’ve always said that I can’t make any promises to the fans. I try to be sincere and I tell things as they are. I can’t promise anything, except great effort and trying to do our best in every game.”