Dybala media conference before Athletic v Roma

This is what the Argentine had to say...

You're becoming more and more of a charismatic leader. Does Ranieri have anything to do with that?

“Definitely. With his experience and the players he's worked with before, he's encouraged me to speak to my team-mates, especially the younger ones, and try to help them when things aren't going well. On the pitch I try to give my all, and I know what I can do, and then I try to help in the dressing room. I'm not the sort who starts shouting or kicking things but I try to instil confidence in my team-mates.”

[Ranieri intervenes]

“Paulo is not just a leader with his charisma and talent; he's become a leader in every way. Leaders do what's best for the team and I'm lucky to have leaders who feel they are part of the team's fortunes. Everything they do is for the good of the team. He's understood that and he's like that himself. Him and his team-mates.”

Would tomorrow be a good day to celebrate your 200th career goal?

“I hope so. Obviously it would be great to reach that figure but if it does happens the main thing is that we go through. Goals are good but I think tomorrow it's more important that we head back to Rome with our place in the next round.”

Apart from in Budapest, you've never scored away from the Olimpico in a European game for Roma. Is that just a coincidence? And if, as we hope, you get called up to the Argentina squad imminently, will that give you extra motivation to do well on the European stage?

“I'd never thought about it. Hopefully it will happen but as I said just now, the main thing is we go back to Rome having reached the next round. Obviously as a forward you always want to help the team by scoring or setting up your team-mates, which is important too. But even more in games like this you need to be selfless and think about the team's objectives.

“As for the national team, the list hasn't been announced yet. For us Argentines, being in our homeland and donning the national team shirt is very special, so I hope I get the chance to go.”

Is there a secret to your current fitness?

"If there is a secret and I talk about it, then it won't be a secret anymore. It will remain a secret. We're working well. I'm trying to find the cure. I've been doing that for a long time and some things have worked well and some other things haven't. But now I hope to carry on like this. I'm doing some work that make me feel good physically. So yes, we're doing a few things but I'm not going to say what.”

[Ranieri speaking again]

“I'm lucky to have a brilliant backroom team. I'm just the tip of the iceberg. Behind me I have a core group of people who work night and day to look after our players. One of whom is Paulo. It's not just one person but an entire team who work with me and study different methods and how much rest to give the players.

“It's a whole series of factors, not just one exercise. Otherwise, why didn't he do it before? There's a whole series of factors that reduce the likelihood of players getting injured.

“We unearthed a statistic. If I'm not wrong, we're the team with the fewest injuries and now [Zeki] Celik is injured. And that's a problem. But that's football. When you play a lot, there's a risk you might pick up problems. I just hope it's for a brief spell and not a serious injury.”

Do you, Matias Soule and Leandro Paredes feel you're role models in the dressing room? 

“No. I think that, being Argentine, having known each other for a long time and having shared lots of moments, we have some similarities. But there are lots of role models in this squad, lots of experienced players who have played for big clubs and won important trophies. We also have players who have been here for a long time.

“There's a great group that's found a certain equilibrium in lots of ways and is carrying the team forward. That group includes players who are playing less and perhaps coming on in the second half. There's no tension between us, not even in training. We're giving our all. Each in our own way, we're all doing our bit for the cause – that's what makes the difference in tough times.

What sort of game are you expecting tomorrow? What would you say Roma's chances are, given your first-leg lead?

“I'd say it's 50-50. In our minds, it's as if the first leg finished 0-0. We've come here to play our game without thinking about the advantage we have because that might work against us. I expect the atmosphere to be quite special. Lots of people have told me about this team and these fans, but we'll only see it at the start because afterwards we'll be focused on the game. If we don't stay focused, with the pacy players they have, we could end up paying for it dearly.

What do you know about San Mames and Athletic Club?

“I know nothing about San Mames. It's the first time I've been here. All I know is what I've heard from others. I've heard very good things about this stadium I'm really looking forward to playing here and seeing the fans for myself. But we must maintain our focus because if we start looking around us we'll pay for it.”