Luciano Spalletti spoke today ahead of tomorrow’s match against Atalanta, here are his words:
Opening statement.
As for the injuries, Gyomber, Iago Falque and Salih Ucan will not be there.
The match is at 12.30, is this a problem?
No because usually train around noon, so this time is ideal for us. Since being in Russia with Zenit, I learned some things. We once played in Tomsk, Siberia, where it was a five-hour flight and a four-hour time difference. We played that game at 8am our time. That taught me you have to play at any time, at any temperature, and that is something that we should get used to in Italy as well. There are TV requirements and we must be ready at any time.
Will Dzeko be back as a starter? Totti?
Dzeko is a strong player, who has had a difficult time because he had a muscle problem, I’ll use him as long as nothing comes up with his muscle. Totti is another strong player, it depends on what kind of game it will be, I keep him in the same light as Dzeko.
This summer there was talk of contact with Napoli, what happened?
I have talked to many during the summer, but if I discuss that then I’m doing what my players shouldn’t be doing right now. Transfer rumors are always whispered amongst friends, enemies, family…rumors about the future and the past. What I know is that we are here and must be strong until June. We must ride strong through June: the club has the contract, not
much else matters.
De Rossi? Next year will he be part of Roma?
Keita is also there for that role and has done well as De Rossi is returning to being fit and we’re seeing how much he can give, also there is Strootman, who is coming back and he needs a bit of time, which means that if you put him out there he can not do 90 minutes.