Ranieri delighted with Roma's upward trend

Roma coach Claudio Ranieri believes his side sent a strong signal to their opponents they are very much in the race for a Champions League spot after their 2-0 triumph against Parma at the Olympic Stadium.

Having struggled in mid-table earlier this season, the Giallorossi extended their unbeaten run to seven games on Sunday with a dominant performance against Parma.

The outcome left Roma fourth in the standings going into the winter break, two points behind third-placed Juventus.

"It's a pity to have to stop playing now considering our positive run," said Ranieri.

"The winter break does not come at a good time for us because we want to give continuity to our results.

"We have climbed to fourth and that is a positive way to end the year as to qualify for the Champions League this season remains our priority."

Ranieri had reason to be proud as for the third league game in a row his team kept a clean sheet.

"This is the merit of my players," said Ranieri. "There is unity in the team and that helps.

"Now I hope the players don't forget where we started and how far we have come."