Opinion: Four points to reflect on after the end of the campaign

Automatic Champions League qualification achieved

Roma finished the season in the most dramatic circumstances possible, clinching second place on the last day with a 90th-minute goal from Diego Perotti to defeat Genoa 3-2. The win, staying ahead of Napoli by a single point, means the Giallorossi gain direct entry into the group stage of next season's Champions League, bypassing the final qualifying round where the group stumbled this season.

“We had to sweat for it but I think the win was deserved,” coach Luciano Spalletti said. “The fact we got our reward late is testament to the fact we held our nerve right till the end.

“We were rewarded for our efforts – helped by a stadium packed to the rafters like never before. Francesco [Totti] deserves credit for that because they were here for him. It worked in our favour because the crowd really drove us on.”

Dzeko's sensational season

After the disappointment of last season, Edin Dzeko emphatically proved his doubters wrong by enjoying a sensational 2016-17 crusade. The towering Bosnian’s 29 league goals were unquestionably crucial towards Roma's tremendous season on his way to taking home the coveted Capocannoniere crown, the award given to Serie A's most prolific goalscorer.

Dzeko, who also supplied nine league assists and bagged 10 goals in the cups, displayed what a multi-dimensional forward he has become too; with his technique, hold up play, aerial prowess and intelligent movement all being key features of his armoury.

Supplying the match winning assist for Perotti's late winner on the final day was certainly a fitting way to finish his exceptional season.

he emergence of Emerson, Fazio and Paredes

The development and improvement of so many Giallorossi players this term owes much to the coach’s expert tutelage and persistent faith in his troops, along with the men who identified them and recruited them to the club. Three men stand out, however, with Roma starting to see the best of the South American triumvirate of Emerson Palmieri, Leandro Paredes and Federico Fazio.

Emerson Palmieri has gone from strength to strength under Spalletti, as the dynamic 22-year-old's enjoyed a terrific season at left-back/left wingback to cement himself as an undisputed starter – although his serious injury sustained in the Genoa game was a bitter blow for everyone to take.

Leandro Paredes is another who's steadily grown in importance working alongside Spalletti and has now emerged as a massive weapon for the club, with his sublime passing ability, capacity to dictate the tempo of matches and masterful set piece taking skills combining to see him become a fine option - from the outset or off the bench.

And lastly Fazio, who many thought was on a downhill spiral prior to him joining Roma. But the change in the scenery, and change in coach, has transformed the imposing Argentine into one of the finest defenders in the league. Playing with aggression and intensity, Fazio's leadership qualities have also shone through brightly, while his flexibility to adapt to playing within a central defensive back two or three quickly became essential to his manager's plans.

Farewell to Totti

After 28 years of loyalty and service to his beloved Roma, Francesco Totti drew the curtains on his spectacular career. Playing around 40 memorable minutes in the pulsating win over Genoa, in his last ever game for the club in front of the adoring faithful inside the Stadio Olimpico, will indeed be a moment he'll cherish forever.

The 40-year-old, who won the World Cup with Italy, one Scudetto, two Coppa Italia, amassed a host of individual accolades and scored 307 goals in his 786 matches for the club, has enjoyed an absolutely glittering career and it was wonderful to see him receive such a fitting send off.

Totti's touching words ahead of his final appearance summed up just how much he loves and respects the club. "Being the captain of this team is an honour. You are – and will always be – my life. I will no longer entertain you with my feet, but my heart will always be there with you," he read.

"Now, I will go down the stairs and enter the dressing room that welcomed me as a child and that I now leave as a man. I’m proud and happy to have given you 28 years of love."

A sublimely gifted footballer and a man of his principles, there will never be another player quite like Totti. He's been the eternal player for the Eternal City and, after 28 years of unbroken service to Roma, he unquestionably deserves all the praise that will rightfully come his way.