Gandini: We know this is a crucial phase of the season for us

Roma chief executive Umberto Gandini has insisted that the Giallorossi are determined to compete on all three fronts as the season enters a crucial phase.

February and March will see the Giallorossi engage in vital contests in Serie A, the Europa League and Coppa Italia, matches that could define how the 2016-17 campaign is ultimately viewed.

The league remains the focus for many, with fans eager for the team to make up ground on leaders Juventus.

"We're in good form and we're not going to give up the chase," Gandini told Radio Rai. "Juventus are having a fantastic season and we're seven points behind but there are lots of games left to play. We'll stay positive and keep pushing on – in the league and the other competitions we're in.”

Gandini was asked which of the club's three remaining competitions was the priority.

"Can't I have all three?! I think winning the Europa League is a harder and more prestigious achievement than many people make it out to be," he noted. "Winning it would mean claiming a European trophy this club has never won before – nor any other Italian club for that matter.

"We want to challenge on all three fronts. We have the Coppa Italia semi-final, a two-legged tie against Villarreal and Juve to chase in the league. With all the big games coming up, it's a crucial phase of the season both for us and for them.”

He was also asked to address the future of both Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi, reiterating that both players are talking with the club and all parties are comfortable with waiting to finalise any decisions.

He was then questioned about the future of coach Luciano Spalletti, who has persistently stated that he has to earn his position with the Giallorossi beyond the end of the current campaign.

“We're speaking all the time and being completely open," Gandini said of his manager. "I can't add anything more than what he and we have already said: we aim to continue together for as long as possible. He wants to be very successful and we share the same vision. We'll sit down and talk about how to make it happen.

“Spalletti is Spalletti. I couldn't make comparisons. He's as authoritative like Fabio Capello, as protective of the team as Carlo Ancelotti and tactically astute in the same way as Massimiliano Allegri. But Spalletti does it all in his own way, with his desire to surprise people. He's one of the best in the business.”

The chief executive was also asked about the status of the Stadio della Roma project, with hopes increasing that a positive conclusion will soon be reached.

“We've always been optimistic because we know our project is worth looking at and we're confident about the outcome of the ongoing talks with the administration," Gandini added. "Italy has the oldest stadiums in Europe and stadium attendance is one of the big issues Italian football must face.

“In Italy we have the example of Juventus Stadium. We're doing what we can at the Olimpico but there are accessibility and logistical problems. All of Europe's big clubs are looking at big projects, even Real and Barcelona.

Man City have grown as a club thanks to their new ground. It's not just about revenue but exploiting the sport better.

"As things stand, football is only really exploited as a product on TV. The way forward is to improve the level of enjoyment.”