Roma’s legend captain’s influence appears to be waning, but can he summon all of his remaining powers to dominate the Nerazzurri once again?
Totti’s campaign went swimmingly until midwinter, as he defied his advancing years to notch six goals in 18 appearances across all competitions, as well assisting a further six.
He starred during glamorous Champions League and Serie A contests against the likes of Juventus, Manchester City and CSKA Moscow, leading many to maintain belief that his impact on Roma was yet to reach its conclusion.
However, the 38-year-old then found the net just once in the 12 outings he embarked upon after recording a memorable brace against local rivals Lazio on January 11 – culminating in a four-game spell out of the side.
Coach Rudi Garcia allowed Totti an opportunity to rest, having realised that ‘Il Gladiatore’ (The Gladiator) was struggling badly during a disappointing run of results which saw Roma fall out of contention for the Scudetto.
Totti’s performances simply hadn’t been up to scratch and Roma duly won twice in his absence.
Yet he returned to the starting line-up with a coolly-taken penalty against Atalanta in what developed into Roma’s 13th draw of a campaign that promised much, but has so far delivered little.
They next travel to take on Inter on Saturday, in a clash between two sides playing at a level below their respective expectations, with both having endured far too many drawn matches this term.
Inter are in fact the opponent faced most often by the clinical forward in his distinguished senior career to date, which amounts to 47 fixtures and counting.
Only Parma and Fiorentina have suffered defeats to a Totti-inspired Giallorossi on more occasions than the Nerazzurri, while his 12 strikes overall against Inter puts them sixth on that long list of victims.
If, as seems likely, the club captain takes to the field once again on Saturday, he will remain the name most feared by his foes.
The last three months or so have certainly seen a downturn in form from the usually outstanding Roman, but his earlier displays suggest he still has more to give — albeit on a less consistent basis than previously witnessed.
Perhaps Garcia’s handling of Totti, in offering him a short stint out of the limelight, has helped to refresh his star man sufficiently so that he can finish with a flourish.
But it could also point to the future role he will play next year in what could be his very last season.
Heroes can’t last forever, but this one can still make a significant difference if utilised correctly. And Roma might just reap the rewards of Garcia’s brave decision to leave him out when they meet Inter in Serie A at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Roma are only a 10 man squad when Totti plays.