Spalletti downsizes Lazio: ‘They’re not Real Madrid’

AS Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has talked to media on the eve of tomorrow’s derby clash against Lazio. The giallorossi gaffer will have to do without injured Mohammed Salah and, probably, Stephan El Shaarawy. Talking to journalists from Roma training ground in Trigoria, Spalletti has downsized Lazio claiming that he doesn’t have to motivate his players like if they were playing against Real Madrid.



“They are the favourites and that’s better for us, it comes as bigger challenge and motivation for us. My players have plenty of quality and winning the game it’s not going to be an easy task. It’s a big game, but it’s not like playing against Real Madrid when you have to tell your players that they can make it.”



“My players can adapt to many systems, that’s the best thing for a manager. We have to remain calm, Salah is a great player and would have been useful for counter attacks, but I can also play Bruno Peres, El Shaarawy, Iturbe or Totti in that position. We must believe in ourselves, our behaviour will change our fortunes.”

