Roma chief Guido Fienga has defended Lorenzo Pellegrini after a social media outburst.

Pellegrini was reacting to criticism after their meeting with Sassuolo.

He posted: “You keep talking and insulting everyone, we keep running and fighting for this shirt. Losers. Forza Roma, forza this great group."

Fienga later said: “As a club we are close to Lorenzo Pellegrini.

“Not only as a player but also as a man.

“Not everyone makes a mistake and admits it immediately, as happened yesterday, apologising to those who might have felt offended.

“He did, unlike the many who in recent times have used shameful words towards him and his beautiful family.

“Words that ignore criticism and football evaluations, but only aim to offend the man. Lorenzo is a heritage of Roma and we are proud of it."