AS Roma vs Chievo - Luciano Spalletti confident of second spot

Posted Sunday, May 08, 2016 by PA

Coach Luciano Spalletti remains confident that Roma can take second place in Serie A and insists they "must not worry about Napoli" in their pursuit.

Giallorossi host Chievo knowing that victory can propel them above Napoli before their rivals travel to Torino later that evening.

Spalletti has impressed since taking over from Rudi Garcia in January and his side, who are the most potent in front of goal in Serie A, look to extend their current 15-match unbeaten streak to the end of the season.

The 57-year-old stressed the importance of last week's 3-2 comeback win at Genoa and told football-italia.net: "We haven't changed our game plan very much. We've remained true to our intentions of keeping the ball, putting it in the most comfortable positions and crucially, being in charge of the game.

"The 4-2-4 against Genoa? Because (Radja) Nainggolan is a warrior on the pitch, he likes going to press the opponents high and creating problems for the others at the same time benefits us. Only one team have won in Genoa, Juventus."

The Italian expressed the need for his team to continue their progression to the next level, adding: "I think the team has taken fundamental steps forward. I think we've changed direction to being a squad that is a group and available for the result. As a development this is crucial.

"The sensation of being happy with the success of others is something you can see and it's very important for a team.

"Napoli? We must not worry about others, that's not our job."

Roma will continue with Kevin Strootman in central midfield, with the Dutch international returning at Genoa following a long-term knee injury.

Francesco Totti is pushing for a start after three goals in the last three matches, all coming as a substitute, while Stephan El Shaarawy will look to add to his seven goals in 14 appearances for the club since joining in January.

Former Giallorossi winger Simone Pepe believes Alessandro Florenzi is the natural successor to Totti but does not think the 39-year-old striker is past his peak.

He told Italian newspaper Il Messaggero: "I grew up at Roma, with the myth of Francesco Totti, and I went into two training camps with him. It astounds me that some people are still surprised by his quality.

"He (Florenzi) is a leader, the worthy heir to Totti and [Daniele] De Rossi, especially now that he's beginning to wear the captain's armband."

Chievo go into the game with a decision over whether to start their long-serving forward Sergio Pellissier, who has scored three in his last five appearances.

The 37-year-old striker is in his 16th season for The Flying Donkeys as they look to overtake eighth-placed Lazio with a win at Stadio Olimpico.