EDF: 'Roma changed attitude'

Eusebio Di Francesco insists Roma wore down Udinese as a team before Cengiz Under’s goal, while they changed attitude more than tactics.

The 2-0 result at the Dacia Arena this afternoon was their third consecutive Serie A victory, with Cengiz Under’s fourth goal.

“I’d seen the team improving for a few games, there was a difficult moment and through hard work we got over it. We did well in every aspect today,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“Naturally, some individual brilliance can break the deadlock, but Cengiz Under has scored through the team performance and with patience. The ability to find the right moment and our tactical approach can allow something at the back, but also create plenty going forward.

“Under was a wise choice by the club, he needs to improve his choices, but since he arrived, he plays far more for the team than the individual. His greatest strength is being able to prepare his shot with great speed, making him difficult to close down.

“It’s the philosophy that is working rather than the 4-2-3-1 system specifically. We have pushed the centre of the team further up the field. The lads had done well with the 4-3-3, then got a little flat, so it was a psychological as well as tactical shift.

“We still need to improve on our crosses and final passes, but I do want us to vary our approach play. It’s no good just putting crosses in because Edin Dzeko is there.

“Patrik Schick doesn’t have match fitness and consistency yet. Edin is working hard for the team and I appreciate that attitude.”

The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 is away to Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday evening. “We must make the most of the fact they’ve had a winter break and might not be match fit. They have a lot of quality in attack and are dangerous, but we mustn’t change our attitude.”