Roma defender Chris Smalling was delighted being part of victory at AC Milan.

Roma won 1-0 in the first-leg of their Europa League quarterfinal thanks to Gianluca Mancini’s winner.

Smalling told Sky Italia: “A special evening, in one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I’ve been out for many months, it’s It was difficult on a mental level but tonight I’m happy to have contributed to the victory.

“The difference was made by belief, and the victory was deserved.

“De Rossi made a great change, everyone is fighting to play these types of exciting matches.”