Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has emphasised the great privilege and responsibility that comes with representing the Giallorossi.
Off the back of two Serie A wins, the 56-year-old’s team will play host to Sampdoria on Sunday evening at the Stadio Olimpico and paid homage to his coaching counterpart.
“[Vincenzo Montella] affects the technical quality, the balance and the formation on the field,” he told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
“He has a big future because he is a smart guy and [Sampdoria] will be a difficult opponent to deal with.”
Following Seydou Keita’s comments that Roma fans can make things ‘difficult’ when they jeer the team, Spalletti accepted that this was a responsibility of the job they must bare.
“We have the privilege of playing for Roma but also the responsibility,” he continued.
“We have to stop saying that it is a difficult environment to work in, we have to build a Roma style.
“The boys are working well. When you look at the statistics, it is more important to look at the balls recovered than the possession. We have also decreased our turnovers.”
Roma’s midweek win over Sassuolo came without Edin Dzeko, who has struggled to adapt in the nation’s capital, however the former Zenit Saint Petersburg coach was quick to defend the Bosnian.
“There’s only one reason [he has struggled], because we serve him badly,” he concluded.
“He is not given balls that he can play. He must be supported more and served better.”
Finally, on Radja Nainggolan’s suspension, Spalletti considered multiple options for his team line-up.
“We have more than one solution but it will depend on the medical reports,” he continued.
“[Alessandro] Florenzi will definitely be considered but there is also Iago Falque that can fill that role.”
