Roma coach Jose Mourinho demanded better from his players after their 3-1 Europa League win against Ludogorets.
Zaniolo earned two penalties, converted by Lorenzo Pellegrini, and scored the third himself to beat Ludogorets.
Mourinho said, “It was a really difficult game. Ludogorets know how to play, they have people with creativity, pace, who can do what they did in Bulgaria when we lost and today on the first goal.
“In the second half, we came on with a different attitude and intensity. Nicolò and Cris obviously gave us something different, as it’s not the same to face strikers like Tammy and Belotti.
“We turned it around, but we have got to play better, we are now up against the sharks who come down from the Champions League and need to do better all around than this.”
He continued: “Continuing in the Europa League was a matter of pride. It wouldn’t have been our objective going into the Conference League as one of the favourites. We know it is difficult now, that we don’t have the right squad to get a celebration like we did last season, that the sharks are coming, but the way I see it is the next game is always the most important.
“I would not dream of leaving players out to rest for the derby and risk elimination this evening. We achieved our target, we go home happy, then we might be tired for Sunday, but these are all games we want to play.”
Mourinho also urged better from Roma fans jeering defender Matias Vina.
“I must say one thing that disappoints me and makes me feel is unjust. There ought to be more respect for Vina. He is a different player when away from home, there is grumbling in the stadium that doesn’t help him.”