Lorenzo Pellegrini hopes Saturday's 2-0 win over Parma will provide motivation and encouragement for when the players return for the second half of the season.

The victory at the Stadio Ennio Tardini marks the half-way point in this season's Serie A campaign, with the victory putting the Giallorossi back inside the top-five in the standings.

Pellegrini knows that Roma can do much better in the second half of the campaign - but believes the Parma win will be an important boost going into the upcoming winter break.

"It was important to win, we're happy with that," Pellegrini said.

"Now we have the chance to relax a little bit - but we know that in the second half of the season we need to do much better."

He added: "We have gone through some difficult moments, and we've had a fair few injuries too - but we are still through to the last-16 of the Champions League and will in battle for the top four. We need to do better but we are in the hunt."

Pellegrini's second half cameo - which saw him provide the assist for Cengiz Under's clinching goal - came after a recent spell on the sidelines through injury.

"I feel good, we tried to rush it a little a bit after the first injury," he said.

"I was feeling good but unfortunately I then had a little setback. That put me out for a bit longer but now I'm fine, physically and mentally, and ready to keep pushing on."

He added: "We know we have dropped too many points so far. But now it is important there's a break, especially as we have played a lot of games recently and had injuries and things that come with that. Our trainers have sent us a programme to make sure we keep fit over the coming days."

See also: Reaction Serie A Pellegrini Parma