Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi called for patience and perspective on Wednesday, as the squad face their first sustained test of character this season.

After a strong opening to the season that included eye-catching victories over AC Milan and Napoli - even as injuries piled up - the Giallorossi have now only won once in the league so far in 2020 – with successive defeats against Sassuolo and Bologna leaving Paulo Fonseca’s side three points adrift of Atalanta in the race for the top four in Serie A.

Roma travel to face the Bergamo side in an important game in the race for Champions League qualification on Saturday – knowing they need to turn around their recent slump as soon as possible.

Speaking at Trigoria on Wednesday afternoon during a press conference to unveil the club’s three January signings, Petrachi pointed out that he had always been clear this first year under his leadership would have its ups and downs – but insisted the group has what it takes to come through this rough spell and show what it is capable of.

“During my opening press conference here I said that this year would be ‘Year Zero’ for Roma,” Petrachi said.

“With great humility and enthusiasm I came here to do my part, and I think during these six months a lot of great work has been done. I am taking that conviction and confidence that the club have shown in me, and am trying to change the things that did not work last season.

“Roma has undergone a true revolution. I would like to remind everyone that Roma sold 20 players in the summer and bought 14. I want to remind you that Roma did not spend €70m on one player - with €70m we bought seven players.

“With a project like this I asked for patience and understanding from everyone. And when there are revolutions some changes go smoothly, and others less so.

“I believe, if there is some good faith and honesty here among us all, that it was just 20 days ago that people were writing about an impressive Roma side, with a coach that had won everyone over and a team playing the best football in Italy.

“I will continue on my path, doing everything I can for Roma with an eagerness and determination to try and bring through my ideas about football, looking to achieve and implement all the things I have been asked to do. I don’t know whether I will be able to do that, but I will try everything I can."