Torino vs AS Roma - Luciano Spalletti backs Edin Dzeko to reach 20-goal mark for Roma

Posted Saturday, September 24, 2016 by PA

Luciano Spalletti fully expects Edin Dzeko to reach the 20-goal mark for Roma this season - and he believes the Bosnian has much more to offer the Serie A title challengers.

The former Manchester City striker has notched four times in five games to help the Giallorossi reach third place in the fledgling table, and with 13 goals in the competition, Roma are the leading scorers.

Dzeko will lead the line alongside Stephan El Shaarawy and Francesco Totti, who turns 40 on Tuesday, at Torino this weekend after the strike force combined to humble Crotone 4-0 last time out.

But head coach Spalletti made sure to stress the importance of focusing on hard work and tactical integrity rather than relying on poaching prowess ahead of the trip to the Stadio Olimpico.

Speaking about Dzeko, 30, he told asroma.com: "Yes, I think he'll manage (20 goals this season).

"However, that is not the be-all and end-all for Roma. I believe other things matter, like his involvement in the team's play.

"I want Dzeko to buy into our plans and our playing style. What we did last season was okay but we can do more if we incorporate Dzeko's physicality.

"The statistics show that physicality was perfect for the team last year. We must, however, try to get stronger, and have greater options, and that's the case with Dzeko.

"Goal statistics are the most striking evidence of a player's performances but teamwork goes into them, too.

"You need to work hard, train in the right way, be solid and compact between the lines and be willing to run 50 yards to get more bodies in a certain area of the pitch.

"No-one notices players who run up and down the flank to the edge of the opposition box but their movement means their team-mates have less ground to cover."

Defenders Antonio Rudiger and Thomas Vermaelen will miss out in Turin due to injury while the hosts are without Arlind Ajeti, Cristian Molinaro and Maxi Lopez.

Toro boss Sinisa Mihajlovic is fully focused on spoiling Totti's birthday celebrations.

The Serb, who enjoyed many on-pitch battles with the Roma captain during his own long career as a player, told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "There is Totti and then there is everybody else.

"Despite his age he can still astound you - he's been the best Italian player of the past 25 years."