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Luciano Spalletti faced the media on Wednesday to preview Roma's final Europa League group stage match against Astra Giurgiu.
With the Giallorossi already qualified for the knockout rounds - as group winners - it is the Romanian hosts who have everything to play for.
The coach began, as usual, by updating on the injury status of his squad:
"Four or five players haven't travelled because they have minor issues. [Kostas] Manolas took a knock to his right ankle, while [Daniele] De Rossi's left Achilles has swollen up again and we need to keep an eye on that. [Antonio] Rudiger must follow a recovery plan due to the serious knee injury he suffered in the past, while [Diego] Perotti and [Federico] Fazio have thigh problems. All of them should be fit in time for Monday."
What do you expect from tomorrow's game?
"I expect the team to consistently improve in terms of mentality. We want to become one of those sides that only go out to win and prove what we're all about."
"We must maintain our current performance levels both in terms of the football we're playing and our fitness. The mental side is where games are won and lost, hence why if you've lost your previous match you go into the next one with a few doubts. We must be a team that gives 100% in every competition, every time we go out to play."
Could we finally see [Thomas] Vermaelen in action tomorrow?
"Vermaelen will start tomorrow and I expect a good performance from him. He's looked sharp in training and I really believe he's ready to play. Some of the guys haven't featured as much and I expect a big response from them tomorrow night."
Are you disappointed about [Kevin] Strootman's suspension?
"Anything goes at this stage, if that's how they want to interpret things. I hope that [Senad] Lulic doesn't get banned because then [Antonio] Rudiger might be suspended for having pretended to sell socks in Stuttgart. As for whether that shirt pull would have been enough to warrant a penalty had it occurred in the box, do referees blow both for fouls and simulation? If we're not careful here we could end up going round in circles as there are so many possible readings of events.
"The club have done their homework on this matter and I agree with what the general manager said. It feels like this has been looked at in such broad terms that you can say whatever you like on any old incident. Certain camera angles show what happened, hence why I expect people to look at it objectively, regardless of the fact this is an important stage of the season."
Why is [Bogdan] Lobont not here?
"He's not on our UEFA Europa League squad list and I preferred to leave him at home to train with his team-mates."
What differences have you noticed since your last trip to Romania in 2008?
"I'll be able to answer that once we've played. I think it's hard to compare. I have the odd chat to Lobont and he tells me it's always tough to play here. The game is very much on the up in this part of the world and, as we saw in the reverse fixture, it wasn't easy despite the result."
Do you think [Francesco] Totti could beat [Silvio] Piola's goal record and [Javier] Zanetti's appearance record in Serie A?
"I hope so but we still don't know how long he'll keep playing for. Based on how he is now, he's fit enough to do it. I think it will depend on him plus he's still some way off - it won't be easy to overtake Piola."
The January transfer window is looming large. Does [Juan Manuel] Iturbe still have a lot to prove?
"It will depend on a number of factors, not just tomorrow night's game. The fact that the press rate him highly is due to his undoubted ability. His pace, power, that burst of speed that he has, one hell of a shot - we all know he has this in his locker and the fans have been impressed by that. It's an important attribute in the modern game. His desire and creativity will prove crucial. He has to take his chance tomorrow."
Have you spotted any exciting young Romanian players?
"It's always better if I praise my own players, so if I have to give you a name I prefer it to be one of my guys."
Could tomorrow's match be a good test for AC Milan?
"As I've said, we want to constantly strive for this winning mentality. Mental strength is something we're always talking about. We've often been forced into changing our side for this competition and that will be the case again tomorrow. I expect a response from some of the players, just as we've seen in other matches in this tournament."
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