Spalletti's press conference ahead of Roma-Genoa

The game gets underway at 18:00 CEST.

What’s the biggest danger you face on what will no doubt be a unique occasion?

“It’s always the same. The risk is that your mind starts to wander elsewhere to equally exciting, important and thrilling events and you lose sight of your primary target. What sort of party would it be without three points? First and foremost, we must remember to approach this match in the right way as we’ve always done. We must show what a strong, mentally tough side we are. That’s what propelled into this position in the first place.”

Where have the team improved the most during your second spell in charge?

“Lots of comparisons have been made. Perhaps the crucial aspect – and this is something I remind the players of – is that we’ve used a strategy. We start from scratch every single time. When you get used to winning, you think you’re the man, your ego swells and often it become more about ‘me’ as opposed to ‘us’. We need to be united to win matches, collect silverware and achieve success. If every time you win a match you manage to make the squad realise that you have to do it all over again from scratch, that’s the best recipe for achieving your goals.

"Starting afresh is essential. We’ve never been thumped – we’ve lost crucial fixtures that we’ll never forget. Responding to a defeat takes care of itself. When you win, however, if you lose that edge then the opposition can cause you problems by giving it their best shot. Starting from scratch has been this team’s main strength.”

Will [Francesco] Totti start tomorrow? What does it mean to see a Roma legend playing for the club for the last time?

“Totti will play a large portion of the match and the most important part if you ask me. We’re fortunate. I’ve been able to marvel at what he does and not just in matches either. I’ve been lucky enough to see the talent he possesses, his technique and realise – albeit after the event – his foresight, anticipation and ability to read the game before others have even seen what he has. I’m very fortunate. I’ve seen him score lots of goals. I’ve been there many times when he’s found the back of the net.

There are lots of strikes that could be made into a long list of his best goals. But then you’re in danger of putting a goal in 30th position when it should be top and you can’t judge them all equally. He needs to figure out what he’s feeling and what his heart is telling him. I want to hear that he’s pleased with his decision once he’s made it.”

Will tomorrow’s match only be Totti’s last game or yours too? Will you meet the president tomorrow?

“We have to finish the job as we’ve said. This match is the culmination of everything we’ve been looking to achieve over the last year. We must be consistent in our work tomorrow and in terms of the conversations we’ve had in the dressing room. That was the crucial target to make our fans happy. Now we’re just one step away and it’s in our own hands. We don’t want to get anything wrong and we must be united to win the match. The three points will be essential for the party because otherwise they’ll be celebrating elsewhere.

"Napoli are in fine form, they play good football and score lots of goals. They won’t let up until it’s over and they will likely beat Sampdoria. We’ve shown what we’re made of and have got back on track to avoid a big defeat. This is a brilliant team. We’ve lost the odd match but they’ve never let us down. We can trust them. This is a side befitting of Roma which has consistently shown what they’re made of.”

What will your abiding memory of Francesco Totti be and what’s irritated you the most about him?

“My first thought when it comes to Francesco is just what a quality player he is. I think about his strength of character when he walks out onto the pitch. Everyone assesses what the eye can see: pace, technique and physicality. But there’s another crucial aspect: his character. When everyone puts you in an awkward position and you prove the opposite by saying, ‘I’m the boss here, give me the ball to feet’ – that’s a way of taking the burden off other players and showing the ability you have. He knows how to do that and he’s proven that so many times in the past. It’s become a hugely important part of his role within the team.

"Nothing about him bothers me but occasionally I haven’t shared his views. But we’re all guilty here. Being the captain of a team means giving everything you’ve got to the rest. He’s done that in the past and maybe the players haven’t realised that and we might be to blame. He’s always been singled out in any performance, perhaps to the detriment of other players. Roma must win and we mustn’t be content in the knowledge that Totti has won. He has achieved so much. Totti is a gift for football lovers everywhere. We all love him here. Occasionally though Totti is used for other means.”

If you decide to leave Roma, could you confirm that Inter would be a club you’d consider joining?

“We’re all pulling together to make Roma a better team. We’re here to make Roma’s future brighter. We’re really focused on winning this match. Don’t worry, all of the guys that play tomorrow will be focused on getting a result.”

If you leave, Roma will be looking for a 14th coach in as many seasons. Do you think it’s hard to work here?

“No, it’s not hard. You can work brilliantly here. What matters is getting everything out in the open. There’s nothing that can divide us – we’re a single unit. Coaches come and go. I don’t know whether Roma will have a new coach next season because we’ll have a meeting next week. Tomorrow is all about him and then we’ll see on Tuesday. I want to take the time to chat to the club.”

How has the last week been for you with so much speculation about your future?

“I’ll address all that in my next press conference. I’ve shown by winning games and working in the right way to achieve success that this is a very talented team. I’m fortunate to coach a group of top players. I’ll say it again: if I haven’t won trophies, that’s down to me. I think we’d sort everything out if we win tomorrow. The team has always responded well after a defeat. Perhaps we’ve struggled a touch but the team have recorded results which breed confidence. The players have been great, including the likes of [Thomas] Vermaelen, Alisson and Gerson.

"I have to thank them before the final match of the season. They’re players who have made a crucial contribution so that we display character and react. That’s something you have within you – something you’re born with. Everyone knows we must win on Sunday and we have to give everything we’ve got to try and secure three points. Especially those who haven’t played much. They keep training hard and pushing all the way so that everyone is on their toes to keep their place in the side. I’ll always be there for them. We have a group of consummate professionals and proper men.”