Spalletti: We Can Beat Madrid
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has insisted that the Giallorossi have the quality to knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League. Spalletti also looked ahead to Saturday's match with Sampdoria.
Roma boss Luciano Spalletti admitted after the draw for the final 16 of the Champions League that Real Madrid weren't the opponents he'd been hoping for.
However, the Italian stressed that his team has more than enough quality to prevail over two legs against the Spanish giants. “It depends on us," said Spalletti. "If we’re at our best then we can beat anyone.
"On paper I would have preferred Porto or Sevilla, but when you reach this level there are always going to be difficulties,” added the coach, whose side finished second in Group F behind Manchester United.
Weak Away From Home
Real Madrid top La Liga at the moment, but it hasn't escaped Spalletti's attention that los Meringues were unconvincing away from home in the Champions League.
Bernd Schuster's side only managed draws at Lazio and Olympiacos, while they lost 3-2 away to Werder Bremen. “The team struggled a little at the start of the season, then found their path," analysed the Roma boss. "Real focus more on the quality of their play than a physical approach.”
Order Irrelevant
The Spaniards travel to the Stadio Olimpico for the first leg of the tie, but Spalletti doesn't believe the order of games holds much significance. “The order of the games is of little importance. People think that playing the second leg at home is an advantage, but it is purely psychological," he opined.
Sampdoria Spectacle
Looking closer to home, the Giallorossi take on Sampdoria at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday in a game that pits Spalletti against his old club.
Francesco Totti is back for the Lupi, but they'll have to do without the services of Alberto Aquilani once again. “Alberto Aquilani still does not feel secure," revealed the coach. "But Totti took part in full training, could kick the ball well and is available.”
Rodrigo Taddei is also injured, while suspensions affect not just Philippe Mexes, but also Roma old-boy and current Samp striker Antonio Cassano. “They have earned some good results even without Cassano," warned Spalletti ahead of the clash. "But he is in good shape and he came to visit us when we travelled up for the game with Genoa. Cassano was very critical about his own behaviour, but the difference will be when he manages to turn that into action.”
