Roma's new signing Federico Fazio looks forward to the 'very difficult' Champions League play-off against Porto: 'We can't concede goals'.

The defender will experience a true baptism of fire with the Giallorossi, as he will face a decider for Europe's top tournament before the championship even kicks off.

Roma's new signing Federico Fazio looks forward to the 'very difficult' Champions League play-off against Porto: 'We can't concede goals'.

The defender will experience a true baptism of fire with the Giallorossi, as he will face a decider for Europe's top tournament before the championship even kicks off.

“The first few days I worked with the Primavera to keep my condition up,” Fazio said in his first Press conference. “When the senior squad came back [from their USA tour] I met my new teammates. Against Latina I played my first full 90' in three months, and I felt really well, both physically and in terms of how I gelled with my comrades.

“Against Porto, it's going to be a very difficult game, to be played giving it our all over 180'. It's going to be important to start off the year on the right footing, with a game as important as the Champions League play-offs.

“It's going to be crucial to fight and reach our objective. Playing in Europe is beautiful, and the team is aware of that. What really matters is that we don't concede goals in Portugal and that we're solid and compact.”

Fazio had some injury trouble in the past, which does not bode well considering Roma's poor luck with the physical condition of their defenders this year.

“That was only in my last six months at Tottenham. In Sevilla, I felt as good as ever. I like to train with intensity and work hard. The physical aspect doesn't worry me.

“Over these first few days the Coach showed me his passion, but we didn't get into tactical details. I can play in a three- or a four-man defence, on the right or the left. We'll get into details tomorrow, when the training kicks off again.

“The gap with Juventus? I think our team must be competitive in Serie A, in the Coppa Italia and in the Champions League. Right now we're only focused on the play-offs, then we'll take things one game at a time. But we must always be fighting on three fronts.”

Byandrea

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