Taddei sensing Roma revival

In the latest uefa.com readers' Q&A, AS Roma midfielder Rodrigo Taddei takes the hot seat. His club have started to show signs of resurgence after a slow start to the season, the highlight of which was a 3-1 UEFA Champions League group-stage win over Chelsea FC.

In the game against Chelsea, once Roma scored, it seemed that the team transformed into the confident side that did so well last year. Do you think you will be able to carry that confidence into Serie A and do you consider that win a season-changing game?
Lorenzo Lista, 22, Pittsburgh

Rodrigo Taddei: Yes, I think that was the game that changed our season, the game that has brought our confidence back. We weren't going through a good period and we knew that everything could change in a big game like that. In fact, things worked out well and the result boosted our morale.

Rome is one of the world's most beautiful cities and I think it is best seen on foot – but is it very difficult for you to walk around because of your fame as a Roma player?
Simon McKenzie, 38, Oslo

Taddei: It is easier to walk around the historic part of Rome than in other places in the city. Also, in the centre there are so many tourists and lots of people who don't even know who you are, so there is no problem walking around.

I am a winger who loves the way you play. I play for my local team and can't get power on the ball when I cross, can you help me?
Mohammed Boodai, 14, Kuwait

Taddei: Well, it is all about training and definitely not about power. The cross is actually a pass, an assist for your team-mate. When you get to the perfect position for a cross, try to hit the ball well instead of trying to hit the ball hard.

Congratulations to you on behalf of your team's victory over Chelsea in the Champions League! What a great game it was! What is your preferred position?
Cathal Kearney, 16, Ireland

Taddei: In Brazil I played in so many different positions and it's been in Italy, over these last seven years, that I've discovered myself as a winger. It is where I feel most comfortable on the pitch.

How has coach Luciano Spalletti responded to the great pressure he has been under this season and how do the players cope with it?
Paul White, Winnipeg, Canada

Taddei: Well, at Roma it is like that, extremes are reached very easily, be it through total glory or total failure. We had a similar situation years ago when our coach and I arrived at the club – there was a great amount of pressure and there were difficulties at work. We know we are not having a great season, but we also know that our team is good and we have a lot of quality. If we start winning games, the supporters will come around. They've always been with us in tough moments and I think that after the league victory against S.S. Lazio things will be back to normal.

Given the shock of beating Chelsea, do you believe you will reach the UEFA Champions League final, which is being played in your city?
Odwa, 31, South Africa

Taddei: Everybody here has the same dream: playing in the Champions League final at our stadium. I think we have enough quality to be there and that would be a real gift for us and the supporters. We can't think that far ahead, though. We need to work hard game-by-game and the primary objective is to get past the group stage.

Which league do you think is the best in Europe?
Dr Mark Said, 49, Malta

Taddei: The best tournament to play in is definitely the Champions League. Regarding national leagues, people talk about the English Premier League, which is very competitive and tough. I put the Italian league at the same level though.

After the rocky start to the season, what would you realistically set as your team goals now? How do you guys plan to combat CFR 1907 Cluj this time around?
Evan, 25, Washington DC

Taddei: Cluj surprised us in Rome and now we have to beat them away. It won't be easy, but I guess our team is more confident now. Our goals now are to change the situation in the domestic league and to get as far as we can in the Champions League. As I mentioned before, playing in the final at home would be a real dream.

What is the best part about playing for Roma? Do you know all the words to the song Grazie Roma? Who is your favourite past player at the club?
Yusha Kozak, Istanbul, Turkey

Taddei: The best part is when the team are winning games. Our supporters are so passionate, they follow us all around the country and the continent and it is a real pleasure to play with them alongside us. I do know the lyrics of Grazie Roma, which is basically our anthem. And my favourite player of the past is Bruno Conti. Although so many Brazilians passed by here, including the great Falcão, I read about the club's history and think Conti is in the heart of every Romanista.

What was your favourite club when you were young?
Mohamed, 15, Rüsselsheim, Germany

Taddei: I played for SE Palmeiras, first in futsal and then football, from when I was eight until I was 22. Palmeiras will be in my heart forever.

Was it work in training or a change in system that revived Roma against Chelsea?
Mostafa, 16, Egypt

Taddei: I think there was a change of mentality. Yes, we did work a lot and it paid off and, besides, there was a change of system. Instead of playing 4-4-1-1 we played 4-3-2-1 and the team was more balanced and compact inside the pitch.

Why did you choose Roma?
Cecchin Danitzia, 14, Mons, Belgium

Taddei: Roma were the first big club to go after me when I was playing for AC Siena. I was aware that Roma were a very big side who'd had many Brazilian players in the past, so it became an immediate dream for me to move and play for them. I made the right choice and I am very pleased to fight for these colours. I guess they are happy with me as well.

You have Italian citizenship. Do ever regret not taking up the opportunity of playing for Italy?
Luca Rossi, 29, Roma

Taddei: No, I don't regret anything. I was so proud when I heard the news Italy could call me up, but I don't regret my choice. It is the dream of every kid in my country to play for Brazil and I will keep working to get there. I still have this dream and I will fight for it.

The next Q&A will be with Taddei's fellow Brazilian and Fenerbahçe SK playmaker Alex. To ask him a question, email questions@uefa.ch and remember to include your name, age and where you are from.