Roma midfielder Cristante hails ‘devastating’ teammate Malen after permanent switch from Aston Villa

Cristante warns derby demands balance of heart and quality as Roma Champions League dream alive

Cristante also reflected on Roma’s collective growth under Gian Piero Gasperini. “We were good at following the coach even in difficult moments,” he said. “We always stayed on his wavelength and did what he asked. With time we have learned his patterns more and more. Our strength has been never abandoning the coach’s ideas.”

On the Champions League race, Cristante was determined. “It is our objective and we have had a great season, it would be a shame to throw it away at the end,” he said. “It does not depend only on us, but we will give everything to get back into the Champions League. We deserve it.”

The Roma vice-captain was equally thoughtful on the derby itself, cautioning against letting emotion override clarity. “The derby is always the derby, form does not matter,” he said.

“Both teams will give something extra. You need a good mix of everything to win it. If you put in too much heart you lose the clarity to win, and vice versa. You need to stay balanced while giving that something extra.”