Roma coach De Rossi makes clear his plan for Smalling

Roma coach Daniele de Rossi insists he's counting on Chris Smalling.

The former Manchester United defender has struggled with injury for much of this season.

But De Rossi said, "The running-in phase is coming to an end but maybe it's just my exaggerated concern. When you haven't played for a long time maybe the muscles are no longer used to certain rhythms.

"The physical stress of the match could be different. The idea was to put two guard dogs on either side of him to limit his range of action and I put him in a three-man defense to make him more comfortable.

"In Frosinone he entered, so as not to start immediately. He's starting after nine months. After all this time it's not easy, there's also emotion. He will be an important player for us in the future, regardless of the lineup."