Ranieri reflects on 2-1 win over Como

Afterwards, Claudio Ranieri offered the following assessment of the game.

There aren't many teams as bold as Como.

“I said as much when I said the other day that playing Como is like going to the dentist without an anaesthetic, because I know what [Cesc] Fabregas is doing. They're an excellent side. I'm sure Como will be like the Parma team of the '90s.

“We struggled in the first half because we wanted to press them high but we couldn't because they were really good, playing one or two touches – pressing like that is not easy. During the game I told the lads to stay tight together but they still had the tendency to press high and that's how they scored.

“Fortunately we were able to respond and in the second half we played with pride – driven on by our fans. It was a good thing that we managed to get back in a very difficult match.”

You made the right substitutions at the right time to win the game.

“Yes, but the coach makes changes because he knows what he has on the bench and when to bring them on. I saw [Artem] Dovbyk again yesterday for the first time in about ten days. [Alexis] Saelemaekers wasn't well during the week and I knew I wouldn't be able to play him from the start, only from the bench.

“I wanted to take off [Paulo] Dybala at a certain point but then [Zeki] Celik got injured. I would have put on [Tommaso] Baldanzi. It's reassuring that I have players who know what to do on the pitch.”

The substitutes seem to be doing better and better. And even when you were on the ropes, the team remained compact showing respect for Como. There are positives to take from what was a tricky game.

“I agree. Como play really well, moving the ball around with confidence, playing with one or two touches. And when they lose possession, they get straight on you so you don't have time to turn. That's why I told Fabregas that he has a great career ahead of him, just as he had a great playing career.”

Roma seem to be reading games very well. The players look clear-headed and they understand how they can hurt opponents. They also seem a lot stronger mentally compared to when you first took over this season.

“That's true. Winning is good for confidence and self-belief. It helps you do things that when I joined we perhaps weren't doing because we'd lost a bit of conviction and self-belief. Now everyone is helping each other, everyone is communicating, and that's very important in a team. I'm very pleased with how down to earth these lads are.”

Carlo Ancelotti said he thinks you'll continue after this season.

[Laughing] “Leave me alone! That's not the sort of question to ask a coach.”