Spalletti ready for step up
Luciano Spalletti sees the battle with Juventus as a test of Roma’s Scudetto credentials and their place among the giants.
“It is true, this is an exam for us, but there will be others too in this period and we have already passed some,” said the Giallorossi boss.
“This is a match that gives you something extra. It is a special game and an exciting one with the atmosphere that surrounds it.”
Although they have a 100 per cent record and are leading the Serie A table, this is the first title head-to-head of the season.
Juventus are back in the top flight after their year of purgatory post-Calciopoli and are trying to find where they fit in the new football landscape.
“I fear Juve’s history and the fact they were able to keep hold of important players like Alessandro Del Piero and Pavel Nedved. Considering everything that came out, I have some faith in the post-Calciopoli Juve side.”
Spalletti was asked which Bianconeri stars he would like to poach for his own squad, but rejected the question.
“I would not take anyone or anything from them. That is a game we should not play, because I risk making my own players angry! Joking aside, I am happy with what I have and I believe Claudio Ranieri is too.”
The Giallorossi have always struggled to beat their Turin rivals, losing the last two editions of this Serie A fixture, but this time they are the favourites.
“We are two great teams and have faith going into this match. In terms of approach, we just have to keep doing what we know, remembering what happened in the pre-season friendly where we lost 5-2.
“In my career I have drawn with Juventus twice, but never won. It’s not too bad, anyway. I will ask my lads to give me a gift.”
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Mazzone: Roma Are Favourites
Roma favourite Carlo Mazzone has told Juventus that if they go to the Stadio Olimpico to attack Roma they will lose.
Roma and Juventus meet tomorrow afternoon in the Eternal City with the Giallorossi looking to continue their 100 per cent start to the season
“Roma are the favourites,” Mazzone told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “If Juventus come to the Olimpico and attack to try and win, they will lose.
“If instead the Bianconeri play a patient and clever game, then they can create some problems for Roma. At the moment however, Roma are the stronger team.
“Roma are playing wonderful. They are winning, they are entertaining – it is a dream. I am very happy.”
Mazzone coached his beloved Roma from 1993 to 1996 and is the most experienced Italian tactician of all time, having coached more than 1000 matches over his 38-year career. Carletto also had words of praise for young Giallorossi midfielders Alberto Aquilani and Daniele De Rossi.
“Aquilani and De Rossi will be the centre-midfield partnership for the national team in the future,” concluded the ex-Bologna and Brescia boss.
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