Roma's Alessandro Florenzi stronger after overcoming injury nightmare

Roma ace Alessandro Florenzo has insisted that he has come back stronger after recovering from consecutive anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

The right-back played the full 90 minutes of the 3-0 triumph over Hellas Verona, and it was his first competitive appearance in almost a year.

The Italy international provided a classy assist for Eden Dzeko's 30th-minute goal, and he insists that he is now more than determined to stay at the top level, he wrote on social media: "Everything that has happened has happened to me, not because of me. It has made me grow, made me become stronger. Made me be who I am, made me appreciate every second of life. Just like [I did as a kid], now a man, who kept believing in his dream with the strength that helps you overcome any obstacle. That kid wants to keep doing what he loves most in the world: playing football."

Meanwhile, Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco also welcomed the return of Florenzi's recovery and hinted that the 26-year-old could return to his preferred central midfield role, he said: "Florenzi gives us something extra and I am convinced he will do so in various roles, not just where he played today."

The Giallorossi suffered a 3-1 defeat to Inter Milan at home prior to the international break, and they have since recovered to register a morale-boosting win over Verona. The Capital outfit still have an additional game to play in comparison to their rivals after their match against Sampdoria was postponed last weekend due to severe thunderstorms forecast in Genoa.

Roma have been the closest competitors to Juventus for the Serie A crown in recent seasons, but they are up against a whole new competition this term with the likes of Inter Milan and AC Milan also competing for the title. Roma are currently placed ninth in the table with six points, six adrift of leaders Napoli with a game in hand.