Opinion: Reasons to be positive ahead of Porto clash

A 1-0 victory over US Latina last week ensured Roma completed their pre-season preparations with a 100% record - having won all five of their warm-up matches. Now the stage is set for the colossal Champions League qualifier against FC Porto.

“We need to take little steps forward,” said Spalletti after the Latina game. “This was a good workout because we were up against an organised team who worked well during the game. It was by no means easy for us.

"We played some good football but we'll have to produce a little bit extra. Either way, tonight’s game was another step forward for us.”

Despite the summer injuries to Antonio Rudiger and Mario Rui throwing a spanner into the best laid plans for the new campaign, Spalletti deserves credit for the way he's galvanised his side and got them all pulling in the one direction ahead of the Porto tie.

Injuries aside, there have been many positives to be drawn from what we’ve seen so far. On the defensive end, Alisson's performances in goal have been exemplary, while Juan Jesus has settled in well, Emerson has shown a great deal of improvement and Kostas Manolas has been as consistent as ever.

In addition, encouragement can be gained from Federico Fazio and Thomas Vermaelen's solid starts to life at their new home.

In midfield, the trio of Kevin Strootman, Radja Nainggolan and Leandro Paredes have all illustrated their quality and shown what a force they will be to be reckoned with.

The irrepressible, versatile Alessandro Florenzi and his dogged countryman, Daniele De Rossi, whose fight and passion are a fantastic source of inspiration to the club, have demonstrated their undeniable worth too.

Edin Dzeko's seven goals in competitive matches – not to mention the four he scored on Thursday in the practice game against Unicusano Fondi - have allowed the Bosnian to restore some much needed confidence and given the side a valuable reference point up front.

Moreover, Mohamed Salah, Stephan El Shaarawy, Diego Perotti and Francesco Totti have all looked good whenever they've featured.

Add in the quality of Brazilian starlet Gerson and winger Juan Iturbe and there's plenty to be optimistic about ahead of this week's game against the Dragoes.

Roma won't be taking the Portuguese giants lightly, though, for Nuno Espirito Santos' side is littered with quality players, such as Yacine Brahimi, Hector Herrera and Iker Casillas.

But Spalletti, who's familiar with the famous Estadio do Dragao from his time managing Zenit St. Petersburg, will undoubtedly have his team ready for the huge test.

"I've played there before in the Champions League – when I was at Zenit,” revealed Spalletti. “It's a fiery atmosphere but it will be the same for them when they come back to the Olimpico.

"We must be ready and able to put into practice everything we've said before. And we must be willing to get at them right from the off. We have to be ready to take on top-level opposition – and we are.”

The stage is set, now it's up to Roma to take this incredible opportunity and qualify for Europe's premier club competition.