Luciano Spalletti's pre-Atalanta press conference in full

Luciano Spalletti sat down with the media on Saturday afternoon to preview Roma's upcoming game against Atalanta.

Questions about Juventus dominated the press conference - but Spalletti acknowledged Atalanta have been on fine form so far this term and will be a difficult side to face.

See what the coach had to say in the transcript below - as usual he began by giving an injury update on the squad.

“Let's start with the players that are back this week, namely [Kostas] Manolas and [Emerson] Palmieri," Spalletti said. "Francesco [Totti] is training with the group and we'll assess him during the session.

"[Leandro] Paredes will join back up with the squad. [Thomas] Vermaelen has progressed as planned thus far but he has another step to take on Monday and if that goes well, he'll be back in the squad on Tuesday.

“Mario Rui will play for the Primavera on Saturday 26 November in their league match against Bologna all being well, before coming back into the first-team squad the following week.”

It was an unusual international break with players like [Kevin] Strootman and [Radja] Nainggolan available. How important was it to work with them?

“It was crucial, especially in terms of really getting back into fitness work. Playing for your country often involves pushing yourself. Following a schedule allowed us to prepare for the upcoming period as best we could and the players have responded well.”

Would you agree that Atalanta have been this season's surprise package?

“Yes, they're a strong side – one of the league's most in-form teams. We have to consider that tomorrow when we play them. They have proved that time and again in terms of their statistics and the football they've produced. Numbers are often dictated by good fortune, but they've deserved all of their wins. They're good in individual battles and their coach got everything out of his players when he was at Genoa too. Their physicality tends to set the tone of the game. We must compete with them blow for blow. We're ready for a battle – my players have shown that. We've improved in that area, especially when it comes to individual battles.”

Could Bruno Peres operate in your “three-and-a-half-man” defence?

“Yes, he could slot into that wing-back role either from behind or further up the pitch. I've asked [Stephan] El Shaarawy, [Diego] Perotti and Radja [Nainggolan] to do likewise on the opposite flank too. It's more natural on the right for us because the full-back has the ability to bomb on. We've been flawless in that department thus far, so we're all good. Obviously, though, I'd like to have [Alessandro] Florenzi fit.”

It's often been claimed that [Edin] Dzeko needs to become meaner in front of goal. What did you make of that incident involving him in the national team? Was he mean enough in that instance?

“He didn't cover himself in glory there and showed that's still his Achilles heel. He still needs to learn how to behave and when in different match situations.”

Have you spoken to Bruno Peres since his car crash last week?

“I've discussed it and we talk about everything that occurs with my players. As for whether I was angry, he was angrier and more disappointed than me. Clearly I had to make my feelings known because we represent Roma and getting caught out at the wrong time is not a good sign for the club we work for. That said, accidents like these can happen to everyone.”

There are eight matches remaining this calendar year. Massimiliano Allegri has listed three targets which include staying above Roma come Christmas. Have you given your players any specific goals?

“I hadn't given it any thought but you've just inspired me. While Allegri gives his players homework, we have to summarise things. To be as good as Juventus, we have to do what they do: win matches. We have to be like them and aim for their targets. Some of them aren't feasible but with regards to their bread and butter of getting results, taking their chances and responding at key moments of matches – yes. Those are the ingredients we need.

“They're often maligned because they don't play champagne football, whereas we must consolidate what we've done so far – i.e. we have to be brilliant. Even if we're not brilliant, however, the players can all do their bit as individuals to win matches."

You've often said it's the players who hold the pen to your contract renewal. Doesn't it make it hard to plan for the future if your new contract depends on how the season ends?

“To earn a contract you need results. If you want to be at Roma, you need to get results. That's something I believe and I think anyone who's at Roma has to show that he deserves to be here. In the past Roma have given long contracts to coaches who have then left shortly afterwards and I want to help the club not make that mistake. How many matches have we played this season? 12? If you think we've achieved something after 12 games then you're wrong, because we haven't. Only at the end can you assess our work objectively. Of course the club will need to organise things in advance, as they always have. Roma have had some excellent results so far and we're growing all the time. We're working very well and I think that's clear to see, but my position doesn't depend on the present. The future will be determined by the results we'll have obtained come the end of the season.

“It's not my job to manage and assess Roma. There's more to this club than the players who go out on the pitch. Roma is a strong club where everyone has a job to do and everyone gets on with it. I focus on my own job, which gives me the chance to help those who decide on the right people. There are other jobs at Roma and we have some very capable people doing them.”

Giampiero Ventura recently said that Daniele De Rossi is playing with the enthusiasm of a youngster. Do you agree?

“I think it's partly down to our growth as a team. Daniele has contributed to that, as I've said on numerous occasions before. We're working well and the players work with the future in mind, which is also De Rossi's case. Obviously there's some fresh motivation within the national team but he's improved steadily over the course of the season. He's an important player for us, a very good player, and we must keep spurring him on to continue performing the way he is.”

What do you think of Ventura's request to bring forward the start of the league season, considering the possibility of a Champions League play-off?

“I've already answered that one. Ventura is a good coach and we all want Italy to do well, so if that's what he needs then we should give it to him. We all feel a connection with the national team. He's got a virtual yes from me.”