AS Roma captain Daniele De Rossi admits he was relieved his winner stood for victory over Sampdoria.

De Rossi forced the ball over the line after Emil Audero's one-handed save on a Patrik Schick header, the only goal of the game at Marassi.

“It's a result that is good for the standings, but also good for the morale of the team and the fans. It boosts enthusiasm," De Rossi told Roma TV.

“Last year I was here having to explain a red card that cost us two points, this year I'm here celebrating a goal that gives us two points.

“I am happy with the approach. We can certainly play better than this, but we'll get there, and right now the most important thing is picking up as many points as possible."

The goal wasn't confirmed until the VAR booth checked if he was offside.

“When you celebrate a goal nowadays, you are always thinking to yourself, will I look like an idiot if they disallow it? But I welcome these instruments , which eliminated a lot of injustice and controversy. We kept the celebrations a little contained, as we were afraid it might be offside.

“We might not be playing the way we want to yet, but if we give our all, it's difficult for anyone to face Roma. When you don't have time to get your tactics smooth and spot-on, you have to make up for it with determination and aggression."