Spalletti: 'Roma lack determination'

By Football Italia staff

Luciano Spalletti can see a difficult test with Palermo tomorrow and concedes Roma “cannot be taught determination.”

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“Kevin Strootman is available, he trained well and is coming with us. We still need to consider his condition the right way,” noted the Coach following a row with the Dutch Federation over his injury.

“Danny Blind? Yeah, let’s just say he’s right. I haven’t the time to get into this anymore. Bruno Peres and Diego Perotti continue their rehabilitation. Thomas Vermaelen is showing small positive signs. Antonio Rudiger will be in the squad from next week.

“If we win, then yes, this round will be particularly favourable for Roma. Palermo are good on home turf and are dangerous opponents. We have to see what we can and at times cannot provide in our performances.

“Maurizio Zamparini gets criticised, but the President is very good at choosing Coaches. He fortifies them, is ever-present and keeps them on their toes. Zamparini has been very smart in getting Roberto De Zerbi, as he’s got a big future ahead of him.”

Roma had been building confidence, but that was damaged by Thursday’s 3-3 Europa League draw with Austria Vienna, where they fumbled a 3-1 lead in just 120 seconds.

It confirmed the Giallorossi’s problems on the continent, winning only four European fixtures in the last five years.

“Determination isn’t something that can be taught. The character of a person is important. There are these players who never give up and others who rest on their laurels without seeking anything more. It should be the quality of a professional and that brings home results.

“The poor defensive performance was an anomaly in the Europa League, not in Serie A. It happened, it is painful, but that mustn’t take away our desire to push forward and create more chances.

“Roma have been regulars in Europe, but if these are the statistics, then we’ve got to improve them. We are in Europe and want to stay there. We want to do well and accustom the world to seeing the beauty of our city and our results.”

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