Spalletti keeps Juve focus
Friday 15 February, 2008
Roma’s Luciano Spalletti refuses to enter into any controversy ahead of tomorrow’s showdown with Juventus. “We’re getting on with our season.”
Inter transfer guru Gabriele Oriali incensed Roma fans by responding sarcastically to the recent refereeing controversy.
“Is it our fault if Roma lost 3-0 to Siena? “ he sneered. “They lack oxygen when they get too high.”
However, Spalletti opted not to fight fire with fire and is calm ahead of the Giallorossi’s second v third clash in Turin.
“Siena was a missed opportunity, but I’ll let other people think what they like,” the Tuscan boss said.
Francesco Totti has been quoted as stressing his belief that referees have been favouring Inter subconsciously, but Spalletti played down his captain’s comments.
“I don’t think that his interview was reported accurately because I told the players to stay silent,” he revealed.
“There have been two or three occasions in which the evidence speaks for itself - photographs don’t lie.
“When we won, we won and when we lost, we lost, but nobody has taken anything from us.
“We are getting on with our campaign quietly and we don’t want to get involved in what happens to others.
“This Juve game could be considered a play-off for second place. Will I settle for second spot this year? Yes, but that doesn’t mean that we are ruling out trying to get first.”
When the two sides met in Week 4, the capital club seemed to be set for maximum points before a late Vincenzo Iaquinta equaliser made it 2-2.
“Since the first game we have been working on our problems and have made visible improvements,” Spalletti insisted.
“But obviously they are still a dangerous side as they have players like Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved.
“Claudio Ranieri has the advantage of being able to prepare for the game specially and we will face a pumped up team.
“This Bianconeri team is as strong as it was before and to come through such a tough period to reach this level so quickly earns them a lot of credit.”
There have been suggestions in the media that Roma may be distracted by their Champions League clash against Real Madrid next Tuesday.
“Are we thinking about Real? No, the players know that the game against Juve is crucial,” Spalletti stated.
There is no rest for the Lupi as they face Fiorentina and Inter after Real in a crucial month.
“We have a period coming up that could see us reap the rewards of all the good work we have done over the last three years,” the Roma Coach concluded.
Roma (probable): Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro, Taddei, Perrotta, Mancini; Totti
Friday 15 February, 2008
Roma’s Luciano Spalletti refuses to enter into any controversy ahead of tomorrow’s showdown with Juventus. “We’re getting on with our season.”
Inter transfer guru Gabriele Oriali incensed Roma fans by responding sarcastically to the recent refereeing controversy.
“Is it our fault if Roma lost 3-0 to Siena? “ he sneered. “They lack oxygen when they get too high.”
However, Spalletti opted not to fight fire with fire and is calm ahead of the Giallorossi’s second v third clash in Turin.
“Siena was a missed opportunity, but I’ll let other people think what they like,” the Tuscan boss said.
Francesco Totti has been quoted as stressing his belief that referees have been favouring Inter subconsciously, but Spalletti played down his captain’s comments.
“I don’t think that his interview was reported accurately because I told the players to stay silent,” he revealed.
“There have been two or three occasions in which the evidence speaks for itself - photographs don’t lie.
“When we won, we won and when we lost, we lost, but nobody has taken anything from us.
“We are getting on with our campaign quietly and we don’t want to get involved in what happens to others.
“This Juve game could be considered a play-off for second place. Will I settle for second spot this year? Yes, but that doesn’t mean that we are ruling out trying to get first.”
When the two sides met in Week 4, the capital club seemed to be set for maximum points before a late Vincenzo Iaquinta equaliser made it 2-2.
“Since the first game we have been working on our problems and have made visible improvements,” Spalletti insisted.
“But obviously they are still a dangerous side as they have players like Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved.
“Claudio Ranieri has the advantage of being able to prepare for the game specially and we will face a pumped up team.
“This Bianconeri team is as strong as it was before and to come through such a tough period to reach this level so quickly earns them a lot of credit.”
There have been suggestions in the media that Roma may be distracted by their Champions League clash against Real Madrid next Tuesday.
“Are we thinking about Real? No, the players know that the game against Juve is crucial,” Spalletti stated.
There is no rest for the Lupi as they face Fiorentina and Inter after Real in a crucial month.
“We have a period coming up that could see us reap the rewards of all the good work we have done over the last three years,” the Roma Coach concluded.
Roma (probable): Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; De Rossi, Pizarro, Taddei, Perrotta, Mancini; Totti
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