Luciano Spalletti celebrated “a fundamental victory” over Genoa, but reiterated Francesco Totti “is a diamond who can’t be used every day.”
The captain came off the bench and scored a fierce free kick to make it 2-2 at Marassi before Stephan El Shaarawy sealed the 3-2 win.
“Francesco has always given a big hand, these free kicks are part of his repertoire,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
Luciano Spalletti celebrated “a fundamental victory” over Genoa, but reiterated Francesco Totti “is a diamond who can’t be used every day.”
The captain came off the bench and scored a fierce free kick to make it 2-2 at Marassi before Stephan El Shaarawy sealed the 3-2 win.
“Francesco has always given a big hand, these free kicks are part of his repertoire,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.
“Szczesny told me to tell the reporters they always mention Totti, but should praise his save at the last minute. So I’m passing on the message!
“It was a great goal from El Shaarawy, well-worked by Edin Dzeko, so it was a fundamental victory earned by the whole team.
“In my view Totti is a diamond and you bring out diamonds on special occasions, at the right moment, not every day. He’s more than 24-carats.
“We showed everything on the field today and the team put in a great performance. Totti gave an exceptional contribution, but that’s what he’s there for.
“When I saw Francesco tie his shoelaces with that look on his face, I knew we’d be in for a treat.”
There are growing reports Totti will sign a new one-year contract with the Giallorossi.
“If you want to talk to the President, I’ve always said it is between them. I stand by my players always. I am the one who asks them to run and who uses up their energy. It is only right they are repaid.
“Francesco has done extraordinary things here. If he extends his career, I am very happy. I will also be very happy when he does what it is he wants to do, so if he tells me that it’s being a football player.”
This was also a great moment for the return of Kevin Strootman to the starting XI after more than a year.
“I saw him ready in training, it was my fault that he only played today.”
Roma temporarily go into second place, awaiting Napoli’s result against Atalanta this evening.
“If you were in our shoes, you’d believe in second place too,” Spalletti told reporters.
“We’d need Napoli to draw a game, which can happen in football. We remain gripped to this possibility.”