View from both sides: Max Tonetto on Roma v Sampdoria

Luciano Spalletti has mentioned on more than one occasion that he's targetting a trophy this season, the club's first since two Coppa Italia triumphs and a Super Cup during Max Tonetto's era.

Tonetto was brought in by Spalletti during the summer of 2006 and went on to make 123 appearances for Roma in all competitions, scoring one goal. Before moving to the capital, the defender represented Sampdoria from 2004 to 2006.

As a former player of both sides, here's his take on the Coppa Italia Round of 16 contest between the Giallorossi and the Blucerchiati at the Stadio Olimpico this evening.

What are your thoughts as Roma begin their adventure in the Coppa Italia?

"In recent years the competition has picked up interest because the top sides are reaching the latter stages more and more. They all care more about getting through the rounds and Roma also want to do well, which they are capable of. I think it's the right thing to try and go as far as possible if you've set the aim to win a trophy."

How do you assess Sampdoria?

"They're a good side that should not be underestimated. They have a great coach in Marco Giampaolo, who has a modern take on football and if the players are able to put it into practice, they can pose problems for anyone."

What do Roma need to be wary of?

"Their strength is in attack. They make good use of their pace and attack well on the counter."

What kind of contest are you expecting then?

"Roma will try to control the game and Samp will look to hit them on the counter whenever possible – this is their style of play."

Spalletti has clearly stressed how seriously he's taking this competition. Knowing him as you do, how do you think he can get the message across to his players?

"Just as he did with us ten years ago, by approaching the game like any other. It might be a chance to give an opportunity to those who have featured less, but without underestimating the opposition."

What do you think of Roma at the moment?

"The team was having some problems at the start of the season but then got into their groove. At the start they were creating a lot and not getting what they deserved. The coach has adjusted things well and they're winning all the time now. Moving to a back three has helped the side; now they're giving fewer chances away to the opposition."

Who has impressed you?

"Emerson Palmieri. I don't know him but he's developing in every game and he also plays in my position so I pay closer attention to him. I think he can get even better."

How is Spalletti different compared to back in your day?

"He has clearly become more experienced, even though I'm not at the club anymore and I'm judging without seeing him at work. He works less on gut instinct nowadays and more with reason."

How do you look back on your time at Samp?

"I was really happy both in the team and in the city. I integrated with the fans and we were a good side that fought it out for a Champions League spot right until the end."

One of your eight goals for the Blucerchiati actually came against Roma...

"Yes, I played further forward in that part of my career and I remember the goal against Roma well, alongside the one I scored against AC Milan."

How did the move to the Giallorossi come about?

"It was an easy decision and I didn't have any doubts. There were two or three offers on the table, including one from Lazio, but I opted for Roma straight away, even though other clubs were offering me more."

What's your best memory from the club, and it doesn't have to be a victory?

"There are loads of great memories, four years full of satisfaction. We won two Coppa Italias and a Super Cup, but we deserved the Scudetto as well."

What was the secret to that side's success?

"We were a strong and united group, both on and off the pitch. We always had an excuse to go for dinner together after training. There were also the individuals and Francesco Totti, who was one grade above the rest. Arriving at Fiumicino Airport to find 6,000 people waiting for you is a special feeling."

Is there a Tonetto in this Roma team? Not necessarily from a technical point of view.

"I don't know. Personally I only know De Rossi and Totti, who are the lynchpins of the side. They're able to drag the squad behind them in the good times and the bad. They're definitely the players you build a squad around."