There are no easy games in Italy, says Chris Smalling after AS Roma debut

The 29-year-old feels his side started 'slowly' against Atalanta on Wednesday night.

Not many could’ve guessed Chris Smalling moving to AS Roma of all sides before the start of this season, but this fantasy transfer was made a reality. The Manchester United defender signed a loan deal to arrive at Serie A, which is already proving a stern challenge for him.

Of course, after having played in the Premier League for nearly a decade, transitioning into a new league with a completely different style is difficult. Smalling made his Roma debut on Wednesday against Atalanta, losing 0-2 in what turned out a bitter introduction to Italian football.

However, Smalling remains confident of his ability and reiterated his feelings after having made the debut for Roma. He said, “I’m happy to make my debut at home but disappointed not to win, 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.”

Roma looked lacklustre in their attacking flow, allowing the visitors to take the game by the neck and attain all three points. Speaking on his side’s poor approach, he said, “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 had a relatively decent game despite his side’s losses, making some impressive challenges and keeping a composed nature throughout. He did show signs of fatigue towards the end, warranted because of his lack of match-fitness so far this season.

On his struggles towards the end of the game, he explained, “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.”

He also praised the Serie A’s competitiveness as well as difficult oppositions, stating, “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.”

“Each game is going to be a battle but that is a challenge I’m relishing.”, he further added. The former England international also explained his joy at being back playing regularly, “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.”

Smalling seems confident when it comes to dealing with the battles ahead and said, “I know that every game is going to be a battle and I’m ready for that – bring on Sunday.”, he ended with. Roma face promoted side Lecce on Sunday and will look to get back to winning ways as well as mounting the pressure on a top-four spot.