In full: Spalletti's pre-Juve press conference

What formation are you planning to use?

“In the modern, European game of today a team has to be able to change its approach on the pitch. Some movements come more naturally when you're out there but one situation where there's a big difference is when you switch from a back three to a back four. We didn't have much time last week but we did run through it briefly. If you look at good teams like Juve, you see they're very adept at switching between different set-ups. We've had a bit more time this week so we were able to work on it a bit more.”

How's the team doing mentally?

“Mentally there's no difference. I can see the lads are open-minded and determined to bounce back. Against Verona we needed to respond mentally – we did that but luck wasn't on our side.

“Now we have to think more long-term, regarding both our targets and our working methods. This next phase will be harder than the first because the lads have to show how professional they are and shoulder the responsibility of playing for a club which carries the name of a city – Rome.”

How do you approach this match?

“Juventus have done very well, especially this season. As for ourselves, if we go there believing we can win we'll probably be able to do it. But if we play thinking we can't then we'll never get the three points. Our approach is the same – to exploit our potential and our quality and create space for us to play in. We'll look to take the game to them and give it our best shot against a team we know are enjoying a great run of form and have shown they're a great side. That situation is not going to change unless the other team is very good as well, and by that I mean everyone around us here, starting with the club itself.”

What's the difference between Roma and Juve? Is it just a question of mentality?

“They've always stood out for their ability to instil in the minds of their players what it means to wear their colours and to represent the club. That's something we must be capable of doing here too.

“We're working on it and I can see a heightened sense of responsibility and more character. When you're part of a dressing room like ours you're responsible for carrying the name of Roma around the world with you.”

Will you play Radja Nainggolan in the hole again?

“I try to find the right balance for the team and against Verona we weren't good enough in that respect because we should have controlled the game better. We left ourselves exposed and our opponents made the most of it and scored.

“Nainggolan has the ability to get forward and to win the ball back. He knows how to get stuck in and also when to run into space because he's a player who can cover the entire pitch. You need to give him a bit of freedom to do his job – he's a box-to-box midfielder. The stats say he scored one and had two or three other chances."

What do you expect Roma to do in the transfer window? What can you tell us about Gervinho, Stephan El Shaarawy and Diego Perotti?

“You need to be smart enough to make negotiations work for you and we have to be smart enough to replace anyone who leaves and try to improve on what we have at the moment. It will take a bit of time to push through the deals our sporting director [Walter] Sabatini has already made good progress with.

“I've spoken to Gervinho and he's a bit unsettled by other possible offers. We see him as an important player for us but I also think it's important that he puts his heart and soul into playing for the club. I don't want half measures so if that's not the case we can move on and look for someone who does offer what we want.

“I remember El Shaarawy as a good player. He has good technical ability, puts in the running and has an eye for goal. He lost his way a bit but it can happen to anyone not to play to their full ability. I had the chance to speak to him and I liked the signs he gave me. If he wants to remain in and around the Italy squad and re-establish himself on the international scene he needs to be doing well.

“Perotti is a situation that could develop into something.”

During the week Gianluigi Buffon said this was the right time to knock Roma out of the Scudetto race once and for all. Do you think this is your last chance?

“It was an intelligent thing to say, he's a smart guy. We see it the same way he does: This is the opportunity for us to get back in the mix for the top spots.”

Does Castan need to go out on loan to get more playing time?

“I have complete respect for Castan the man and you lot here know exactly what I'm talking about. He's going through a tough time so we need to leave him in peace. I think the right thing for him would be to get some regular football under his belt. We'll sit down and talk it over with him. He's one of those players you can talk to about anything but we'll try to do what's best for him. Roma comes second in this case. We'll do what is right first of all for Castan the man and the footballer.”

Are you trying to mirror Juventus with a three-man defence or is that the best choice based on who's available?

“The fact that everyone is writing about it is because I tried it out. We're constantly being watched, there are no reporters who just write what they want anymore. Nowadays you get images that go straight to television. It's true, I devoted a bit of time to working on a three-man defence.

“Roma already know how to play with four at the back and recently we've dedicated a bit of time to playing with three defenders. If you stick another defender behind Lucas Digne and Alessandro Florenzi, you can give them an extra ten yards without running the risk of being exposed in defence.

“Whether we're trying to mirror them or not, the fact is we need to play well. We need to find a solution for our style of play and the opponent's tactical set-up in order to be successful. It's possible we'll start the game with three at the back.”

How is Francesco Totti? Are you trying to find a way to get him to play alongside Edin Dzeko?

“Francesco suffered a serious injury and he probably felt a bit limited in his comeback appearance against AC Milan because of all the time he's spent out. He's been at every training session this week and he's available, even if recoveries take longer at his age.

“Playing him together with Edin is a possibility, especially with the system we've been working on this week.”

Could Diego Perotti and Stephan El Shaarawy be the kind of players Spalletti is looking for?

“You constantly need to assess how things are in this transfer window. It's not like at the end of the season. There's a limited number of players available and you always need the cooperation of the other club.

“We shouldn't create confusion. Bringing a player into a situation that doesn't fit him can easily spread confusion rather than contributing positively. Let's work with what we already have and then we'll see if we can add someone.

“I'm on the same page as Walter Sabatini and we've always had a good relationship. I'm always willing to help if he asks for my opinion and it's the same for him.”

Is it possible to communicate the tactical necessities of a three-man defence in ten days?

“That will become clear on Sunday. We did alright in the last match with four at the back but it could have been better. You can't do a full transition in this amount of time but the bulk of it is possible.

“We're talking about top-quality players. Antonio Rudiger, for example, has played with three at the back for the national team.

“It requires more quality in possession, so let's see if we can bring someone in for that position who can do both things. The attributes of the players at your disposal are important in situations like this.”

How is Rudiger doing?

“He's doing well. He's a physical and fiery player who can cover the spaces, he's got stature and is good in the air – these are important qualities to have in matches like this.

“They will be swarming all over us when the tempo increases and having strength at the back can help us.”

Is it difficult to feed a No.9 like Dzeko?

“He doesn't have to struggle, he's got all the ability to be our No.9. He just needs to wait for the right moment to get into his stride.

“Things will be calmer for him when he sees the fruit of his labour. He needs to score goals and feel the trust of those around him. At Roma it's sometimes difficult to communicate that trust to someone who isn't getting the results their job demands. We're obsessed by results here and we want to reach our objective straight away.

“With Edin, he needs trust and we have to give him that. He's a top player and I don't see any weak points in his game. Any coach would want a striker like him in their team. He can do everything: He's got good technique, he's quick for his size and he's good in the air. He just needs to be patient because his moment will come.”