Chris Smalling has realised after his Roma debut defeat that “in Italy each game is going to be a battle, but that is a challenge I’m relishing.”
The former Manchester United defender made his first appearance in a Giallorossi jersey and started the 2-0 Serie A home defeat to Atalanta.
Despite the result, Smalling was probably the best performing Roma player on the night and even went close to opening the scoring with a first half header.
Chris Smalling has realised after his Roma debut defeat that “in Italy each game is going to be a battle, but that is a challenge I’m relishing.”
The former Manchester United defender made his first appearance in a Giallorossi jersey and started the 2-0 Serie A home defeat to Atalanta.
Despite the result, Smalling was probably the best performing Roma player on the night and even went close to opening the scoring with a first half header.
“I’m happy to make my debut at home but disappointed not to win,” Smalling told the official club website.
“We have big dreams and aspirations this season and we need to win our home games. We need to make sure we don’t slip up too many more times at home this season.
“I think in the second half there was more urgency. The first half was very cagey, there were very few chances. We needed to get on the front foot a bit more, especially because we were playing at home. We did that a bit more in the second half but we started a bit too slowly.”
Smalling seemed to have cramp towards the end of the game, when Atalanta took control through Duvan Zapata and Marten de Roon.
“Yes, a bit, but this was my first competitive game of the season. I knew that. So come 70 minutes I was starting to feel it a little bit in the legs. But I know having this first game in the bank, for the next game I’ll be a lot stronger and sharper for it.
“I think that in Italy there are no easy games. I have watched a lot of Italian matches, both before I got here and since I arrived. Each game is going to be a tough battle.
“Today there were two teams that did not give much away, and there were only one or two chances in it. Each game is going to be a battle but that is a challenge I’m relishing.
“I enjoyed being back playing. It was my first game and I enjoyed playing at the stadium. But I just want to help the club achieve some big targets this season.
“It was a close game and the first goal was always going to be crucial. I know that every game is going to be a battle and I’m ready for that – bring on Sunday.”
Roma Coach Paulo Fonseca adapted their tactics to suit opponent Atalanta and moved to a three-man defence during the first half.
“In training during the week we work on our tactics. That’s something I’ve noticed since being here, we work very hard on tactics and we come into the game very well prepared,” added Smalling.
“In each game we know what the formation is going to be and how we are going to press etc, so we arrive for the game very well prepared.”