AS Roma coach Claudio Ranieri is delighted with the response of his players since taking charge.

Ranieri enjoyed a debut win on Monday against Empoli.

“The team have responded well enough to the first things I've asked of them," he said at a Press conference for Saturday's Serie A match at SPAL.

“I can't ask for much more because the lads were used to playing in another way, but I see a lot of involvement and consensus from them.

“Right now we must stick together and be compact. Zaniolo and Kolarov? Zaniolo took a blow to the ankle and that had an effect on his calf.

“Coming from the outside and knowing that several of the lads have physical problems, I have to be careful so small problems avoid becoming big ones.

“Dzeko and Schick? Formation aside, they must be able to express themselves as best they can.

“Federico's a big player for us. There are times when players have it and times when they don't. They're not machines.

“He's a smart player, he knows how to read play well and he can do well for us. Cengiz won't join up with his national team. I hope to have him back after the international break.

"I don't think some of our players feel as if they're just passing through here. If they were, I'd ask them to do more.

“If they do well, maybe they'll be bought by others, otherwise they won't be. I believe in their desire to show off their skills."