The experienced central midfielder resisted the urge to set a target for the Giallorossi following last term’s relative disappointments.

Daniele De Rossi believes Roma failed to improve last season as they finished 17 points adrift of Scudetto winners Juventus.

Rudi Garcia guided the Giallorossi to a second successive runners-up spot, but the mood at the Stadio Olimpico was comparatively negative compared to 12 months earlier.

Whereas in 2013-14 they were surprise title contenders, last season they were breathing down Juve’s neck at the winter break before a string of draws saw them drop out of the running and almost finish behind local rivals Lazio.

Roma are among the favourites to end Juve’s four-season Scudetti streak but De Rossi is only focused on performances and not any pre-determined targets.

“To talk about objectives now would be to take advantage of me and I’ve had enough,” the central midfielder told reporters ahead of Roma’s International Champions Cup clash with Manchester City on Tuesday.

“Now the important thing is to play to win. Last year we tried to improve, it didn’t happen, but we achieved a great final result.

“We’re working to take the next step. It’s a high wall in front of us, but we’re working seriously.

“I’m very happy with how I’ve found the team and I get along very well with the coach and my team-mates.”

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