Montella: Roma are a team built to aim for the biggest targets

Montella played under Spalletti during the latter man’s first spell as coach with the Giallorossi, although the striker was often a peripheral figure in the squad during that time. Montella admits that period of his playing career was frustrating, but believes now that Spalletti ended up having a profound impact on the coach he would go on to become.

“I have come up against him many times, as a player and as a coach,” Montella said of his opposite number. “At the end of my career, he didn’t pick me much. One year I felt I deserved more, but I’ve forgiven him.

“Then in my final year as a player, he helped me understand how to prepare training sessions. He perhaps has given me more in my career as a coach.”

Montella’s Milan side are currently riding high in Serie A, level on points with Roma as the two sides chase league leaders Juventus. The Rossoneri coach believes Spalletti’s squad has the quality to push on even further this term.

“Roma is a team built to win the Scudetto, with top players and manager who himself adds something,” Montella said. “The team is well developed, with players who can deal with all sorts of situations, especially in midfield with De Rossi, Strootman and Nainggolan.

“Spalletti has had the strength and foresight to keep playing [Dzeko], and it’s paid off. He’s clearly an international-level player.

“We’ll have to be highly focused when we play, and make no mistakes in any area of the pitch. [Luciano] Spalletti makes changes during games and we’re ready for that. What will count is how we manage to put our ideas into practice during the match.”

Montella revealed that neither Carlos Bacca or Giacomo Bonaventura are fit to participate in the game, although they could return for the club’s next fixture, but insists his side will approach the game with ambition and positivity.

“It’s a clash between two teams near the top of the table,” he reiterated. “What I want to see is a team that comes into the game with joy and happiness, because what the guys have achieved, with hard work, is a temporary thing, as everything is in football.

“So I think they have to enjoy this evening and being near the top of the league. Of course, I’d like to take that approach, but I know that’s not always easy.”