Spalletti's pre-Torino press conference in full

“Vermaelen is still out, while the rest are all available. We need to have another think about Thomas. I’d rather not put a timeframe on it, his recovery needs to be assessed calmly.

"Every time we try to step things up we go back to square one and that’s a risk we have to stop running.”

What’s the difference between the team [Giampiero] Ventura coached last season and the one under [Sinisa] Mihajlovic this term?

“I always feel the utmost respect for Torino when discussing that club. The feats of the great Torino side mean something special for a football lover like me. Therefore, I feel that great side is looking down on the current group of players. It will be a tough game for us. Sinisa is definitely a good fit for that club, he’s got great character and I believe he’s shown that both as a player and a coach.

"We’ll have to really compete tomorrow. We must consolidate our recent performances and try to win this match too. Torino play nice football, have good players and we’ll have to perform well.”

Roma have picked a number of players aged 25 and under, could they make the difference this term?

“That’s something we discussed in the previous press conference. We have to chart their progress and work for the future. That’s what we tried to do when putting together the squad and, based on what we’ve seen, that’s been the right call. These players can represent the future of Roma.”

Tomorrow you face [Leandro] Castan, who will probably start...

“That tells you everything you need to know about the character of the man. He showed that at Roma too. I’m pleased to face him as an opponent, even though he’s technically still a Roma player. I’m pleased he’s joined a top side that will give him more consistent playing time than he had here. He will be a tough opponent. Last season he showed me how much these colours and this club mean to him and I sadly had to deal with his move to another club.

"He’s shown us that we can rely on him and I’m now delighted to see him start matches because of the player and person he is.”

Is Vermaelen struggling with a groin problem?

“Yes, but there are an array of ailments in that area. Often it’s just a swelling which heals in a fortnight, while some injuries take longer and there are some that keep you out for a while. Saying it’s a groin injury doesn’t allow us to put a clear timeframe on his recovery.”

You said you’d give [Francesco] Totti a time machine for his birthday. Will you be attending his birthday bash?

“Yes, he’s invited me and I think I’ll show my face because it’s an important occasion. I don’t want to ruin the rest of his party though – and the rest of the squad won’t be happy when I pitch up! I can’t buy him a time machine but that shows what I think of him.”

From the outside, it seems like Totti is more relaxed around you. Are things going better between you?

“Things have always been the same for me and that will continue to be the case. He’s a Roma player. He can start and come on or off. He has ability and he’s perfect at the moment. He turns up to training, works hard and is part of the squad. He frequently refers to 'the unit' and 'the team’s play'. That’s what I wanted. We move forward.”

Roma are yet to win on their travels this season. Is that coincidental or do you lack character?

“I don’t think we lack character, however occasionally that has waned a touch. At times we’re wary of trying to reproduce what we’ve done in the past. I think it’s just coincidental because we’ve played brilliantly on occasions. We’re on the right track now and we mustn’t take a step back.”

Could playing [Mohamed] Salah higher up the pitch cause [Alessandro] Florenzi problems in terms of defensive cover?

“If Salah starts higher up the pitch, he has less distance to cover in one-on-one situations. If he has to overlap the full-back he’ll have a lot more opposition players in his way. Clearly we have to think long and hard about that one. If Florenzi is isolated, we’ll need to find a way of helping him out. His attributes jar with the role of full-back so we have to find a middle ground.

"The defensive midfielder can help him out on occasions but it depends on the move. Alessandro will often have to figure it out for himself.”

There’s been a real storm surrounding the Olympic bid over the last few days. What’s your take on that?

“I believe we need to grasp the opportunity, not only Rome but the country as a whole. Sure, there are things that need sorting out and you have to weigh up the pros and cons. But it’s a chance for development, you can create jobs and entertain sports fans. Clearly, that’s just my instinctive view because I don’t know the ins and outs of the situation.”

Given that [Federico] Fazio is playing very well, could tomorrow be the right time to pick Juan Jesus again?

“Jesus is a reliable player though he’s made the odd mistake. However he had a knock and I asked him to play. I still don’t know who I’ll pick tomorrow but I don’t think I’ll tamper with the backline at this moment in time. I think [Kostas] Manolas and Fazio will continue to start.

"Jesus defends well both at full-back and centre half. He’s made mistakes like everyone. We’ll have 23 players available tomorrow, not 11 starters and 12 enigmas. There will be 23 potential starters.”

Can [Edin] Dzeko hit 20 goals in the league?

“I think he’ll get there but Dzeko scoring 20 goals won’t be the silver bullet for Roma. I believe other things matter, like how involved people are in the team’s play. I want Dzeko to buy into our plans and our approach. What we did last season was okay but we can achieve more if we incorporate Dzeko’s physicality.

"The statistics show the team was perfect. You always have to try and improve, however, and we will be stronger with Dzeko. Goals are a clear indication of someone’s performance levels but you also need to work hard. You have to stay tight and compact and be willing to run 50 yards to get more numbers in a certain area of the pitch.”