Luciano Spalletti's pre-Fiorentina press conference in full

Luciano Spalletti sat down with the media on Monday to preview the Serie A meeting with Fiorentina.

See what he had to say in the transcript below.

Tuesday's game gets underway at the Stadio Olimpico at 20:45 CET.

As usual, the boss began by giving an update on the injury status of his squad.

"[Juan] Jesus is back in the squad," Spalletti revealed. "[Diego] Perotti has been training on his own: we'll see how he's responded but he won't be there tomorrow. [Alessandro] Florenzi is continuing his return to fitness.

"[Thomas] Vermaelen has a problem with his hand after bruising it badly in training. He's out as well because there's a risk there and it needs to be properly assessed."

After the reverse fixture earlier this season, you said it was a match decided by individual episodes but you also noted a lack of clinical finishing. Have Roma changed half a season later?

"In that game we could have taken our chances differently and better. The team has matured, built up character and improved, but there are still more improvements that can be made. We need to offer more in terms of how quickly we attack, as well as keeping the solidity and consistency from recent games – the match in Genoa aside. I don't think we're going through a bad spell; we haven't put in exceptional performances but we're doing alright."

How do you assess Fiorentina's progress under Paulo Sousa?

"They've had a tough patch, which happens to everyone. Now they're doing really well: they've reorganised superbly, got a few of their top players back into good form and now they're a strong side. They've been playing well and picking up results in their last few matches. It will be a tough and evenly-matched contest."

How can the Stadio della Roma be an opportunity for Italian football as a whole?

"I went on a tour [of the site] yesterday because I think it's right. Travelling around the world, I've realised that various projects always have positive effects on the economy of a city. My club has already invested money into this project. I don't want to speak about politics and I hope politics don't come into this at all. This is an investment opportunity for our country.

"When I go to London, I see so much happening around football: there are ten stadiums in the same city and Arab, American and Russian investors. The city's beauty is partly influenced by these investors who have built something important by putting in their money. They understand it's a difficult time economically speaking. But if they're building this stadium and paying for it, we mustn't be sending out the message that it's a threat we should defend ourselves from rather than an opportunity.

"From the outside, some people are afraid that foreign investors are coming here to cause problems for us. It's right that all aspects of the project should be examined in respect of the law. Nevertheless, in countries with less potential than Italy you can find better-equipped stadiums than the ones we have.

"I don't believe I'm the only one who thinks like this. Now we need to get together in a professional environment to find solutions that everyone agrees upon."

What's your view on the battle at the top with Napoli and Juventus?

"We need to stay as close as possible. Juventus are in great form, but they're right there in front of us and by keeping an eye on them we can always find more motivation to do better. As a result, we have to carry on believing that everything is possible while we're playing. Napoli and Juventus are sides that have been put together well; a lot of time has gone into these projects. They're strong and the fact that we're up there with them means we're equally strong."

Why did you decide to get involved in the issue of the stadium and the barriers?

"I don't need to do anything unless it's related to my job. The team has shown that it has all the tools to win matches. We have excellent directors and owners here. They want to do something important for the future of this city and as a result they can carry out certain jobs perfectly well by themselves; I don't have the right know-how.

"As for the barriers, I spoke with the Minister [Luca] Lotti and not my friend Lotti. You don't do certain things because of friendship but because you're a professional. We've known each other for a while and so the meeting was easier, but you still need proper and professional explanations. We need to be responsible about how we behave: families and children should want to come to the stadium. They need to be able to enjoy the stadium.

"People who come here intent on causing problems should stay at home. They shouldn't be part of football and that behaviour has nothing to do with the sport. We need to take responsibility. The barriers are not a symbol of freedom. We need to behave well and stay in our places. We have to play by the rules, be civil, feel free and behave properly."

Why did Gerson play for the Primavera?

"It wasn’t a punishment by any means. We only decided that because we’re playing on Tuesday. Having spent four days on his contract, he needed to play and we picked him as captain for the Primavera. We also wanted to see him in a team setting. The notion that he was sent to play for the Primavera as some sort of punishment is nonsense."

Milan Badelj and Borja Valero have both been linked with moves to Roma in the past. What would they have brought to your squad?

"A coach like me has to think about practical things and therefore I’m telling you that I’m happy with the players I have. They’re good players but I have equally strong footballers in their positions. We discussed other names during the transfer window. Everyone would like Borja Valero, he’s comfortable wherever you play him.

"We had to turn our attention to other options, who are equally important for the club and we’re pleased. Fiorentina have some exciting youngsters, they play good football and have a strong club structure behind them. But so do we. It will be a top-class, exciting game of football. They’re on form but I’m happy with the players I’ve got."

Did any players ask you to stay at Roma and sign a new contract?

"I don’t think that matters much to them. We’ll carry on as we are until the end of the season. You earn contracts by getting results. But obviously there are expiry dates and priorities."

Has all the talk about the stadium potentially distracted the players?

"No, when you live in this city as a player you need to be able to discuss various issues. Tomorrow’s match is crucial for us. The players know that. If we then have the chance to work towards the future and growth of the city, we’ll do so. I say what’s on my mind and what I believe in. People who know what they’re talking about should be the ones discussing this with [Mayor Virginia] Raggi. I have to focus on doing my job as best I can because I believe I can do it even better."

Are you worried about the team’s fitness levels after the Cesena match?

"They were so sharp. I realised that when I saw [Alejandro] Rodriguez sprint forward and keep pace with [Kostas] Manolas and [Antonio] Rudiger. The top sides have all made the last four and that means we’ve played well. In England the top teams often go out against smaller sides. We improved in the second half of that match, grew into the game and sorted out what wasn’t working well at the start. That’s why we deservedly made it into the semi-finals."

Are you concerned that the churned up pitch after the rugby could impinge upon the quality passing of Roma and Fiorentina?

"We found out this morning that CONI are more than happy to sort out the pitch. Apparently they’ve replaced the divots in one of the goalmouths to improve the pitch where there was more wear and tear. We need to make sure it’s a good spectacle and these additional sporting events don’t help.

"Then there was the weather too. But I still think it’ll be fun to watch in terms of our spirit and battling qualities. Two good teams will go head to head, looking to produce good football and individual performances."