Stephan El Shaarawy believes “it’s time to reap the rewards” at Roma ahead of tonight’s Juventus friendly and can’t wait to take on Inter.
The International Champions Cup match kicks off in Foxborough at 20.05 UK time (19.00 GMT).
However, the Little Pharaoh probably won’t be able to take part, as he is still struggling with a back problem.
Stephan El Shaarawy believes “it’s time to reap the rewards” at Roma ahead of tonight’s Juventus friendly and can’t wait to take on Inter.
The International Champions Cup match kicks off in Foxborough at 20.05 UK time (19.00 GMT).
However, the Little Pharaoh probably won’t be able to take part, as he is still struggling with a back problem.
“The Coach (Eusebio Di Francesco) has a system that certainly requires more work from the wingers and I’ve been able to see that from the opening training sessions, plus talking to Diego (Perotti) and Manuel (Iturbe).
“We have to listen to the tactician and I think we can learn a lot from him,” El Shaarawy told InsideRoma.com.
“This game will be an important test to evaluate our fitness levels and how we are working as a team. Seeing as it’s Juventus, we’ll have to play in a very determined way and try to win, even if it’s just a friendly.
“We know that Juve are a great side who will try to win the Scudetto once again, but I think the time has come for us to reap some of the rewards for all that we’ve sowed over the last few years. A trophy would be very gratifying for us and the fans.”
Roma have an extremely tricky start to the season, facing Atalanta in the opening round and then Luciano Spalletti’s Inter.
“It will be a very passionate game, not just because we’re up against ex-Roma figures, but also as it’s just extremely important. It’ll be our first fixture against a top club who have reinforced on the market, but I think we’ll be ready for this difficult start to the season.
“I don’t know if there will be any other buys, but I think the team is ready in any case. We’ve got some talented young players and others with great experience like Aleksandar Kolarov.
“We are also happy to have kept hold of our most important players. We feel strong and must follow our path, listen to the Coach and not think about the market or who could arrive in future.
“We feel ready and can’t wait for the season to start.”