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Vincenzo Montella is yet to score this season,but Luciano Spalletti believes he can win the Derby della Capitale for Roma.
“This can be the decisive match for the Giallorossi, the one that changes the course of our campaign,” said the Coach ahead of his first taste of the Rome derby. “I have always dreamed of experiencing a big match like this.”
Spalletti’s career since joining from Udinese in the summer has been inconsistent, as Roma have lost two of their three home games and are currently mired in 14th place, but victory over bitter rivals Lazio can make all the difference.
“I don’t envy anything about the Biancocelesti. I’m only jealous of people who have hair,” joked the bald-headed tactician. “Paolo Di Canio may be able to charge up the Lazio atmosphere, but we have Francesco Totti and Montella who can win this derby for Roma. Vincenzo has recovered from a back problem and is raring to go.”
The striker has already put eight goals past Lazio in previous ‘Stracittadina’ encounters at the Stadio Olimpico, but is still looking for his first Serie A mark of the season and has only scored twice in the League since February. Other surprises could be in store for Sunday night’s big match.
“I am thinking about using our new goalkeeper Alexander Marangao Donieber Doni, but this doesn’t mean that Gianluca Curci has disappointed,” revealed Spalletti. Doni was tested in Thursday’s 2-1 UEFA Cup win away to Tromso and could make a memorable Serie A debut in the Rome derby, especially as it was his 26th birthday yesterday.
The temperature in the capital is rising and so is the pressure, as 2000 fans attended Saturday’s training session and spoke to members of the team. Totti was asked to run under the Curva Nord – occupied by the Lazio supporters – and celebrate if Roma scored a goal, while Spalletti was warned that failure to win this match would result in mass protests.
In case the message hadn’t come through loud and clear, the Roma supporters unveiled a giant banner that read: ‘Heaven or Hell – the choice is yours.’ |