Luciano Spalletti said he used Francesco Totti’s birthday party to help “motivate” Roma for their Europa League victory over Astra Giurgiu.
The Giallorossi made up for the 1-1 draw at Viktoria Plzen and 3-1 Serie A defeat to Torino by sweeping Astra aside 4-0.
“We played a top level performance with focus, consistency, interesting attacking moves and the team remained tight and aggressive. I have no complaints,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Luciano Spalletti said he used Francesco Totti’s birthday party to help “motivate” Roma for their Europa League victory over Astra Giurgiu.
The Giallorossi made up for the 1-1 draw at Viktoria Plzen and 3-1 Serie A defeat to Torino by sweeping Astra aside 4-0.
“We played a top level performance with focus, consistency, interesting attacking moves and the team remained tight and aggressive. I have no complaints,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Totti provided three assists and many more stunning passes just two days after his massive 40th birthday party, which went into the early hours.
“I have Bogdan Lobont in the team and asked him to keep an eye on what was happening at Astra Giurgiu, to read the Romanian papers and check on potential line-up changes.
“He told me what they were basing themselves on was the idea we were all hungover from Totti’s birthday party – so I used that to motivate the team.
“Yesterday in training they seemed pretty determined. The rule generally would’ve been to have the party another day, but we did cancel the morning session on Wednesday. Tomorrow we’re back with a double session, though!”
There still seems to be a considerable lack of confidence within several Roma players, above all Juan Manuel Iturbe.
“Juan Jesus found his physical strength and quality to give a hand, above all on set plays, as he has this explosive leap. He had a good game.
“Iturbe, as our fans have realised, just needs a little confidence and support. He is a lovely boy, perhaps too nice, as he is also very sensitive. If he had scored that early chance, he would’ve had a fantastic second half, because he fell into the fear of taking the initiative.
“When he does take the initiative, he’s devastating for the defenders and has extraordinary pace. He needs to take defenders on, because he scares them.
“Rather than seeking different tactical solutions, I think Roma should focus on doing the things they already know, but better. Because so far the team is playing below its capabilities.
“Gerson is a player who reminds me of Simone Perrotta. He is quick in terms of ideas and passing, but not so much when running and he struggles a little more in defence than when in possession. I think he too is lacking confidence right now and I haven’t got the opportunities to give him playing time, so he has to earn his place.”