Spalletti's pre-Napoli press conference in full

See what the coach had to say as he previewed Saturday's Serie A match against Napoli...

"Antonio Rudiger will play for the Primavera against Novara on 22 October," Spalletti said. "It will be the final test to check whether he's ready to come back, train with us constantly and start playing again.

"Thomas Vermaelen is back running from today and we'll keep an eye on that situation. Mario Rui and Abdullahi Nura continue their return to fitness and there are a few issues from the international fixtures that need to be assessed today."

Do you agree that Napoli are talked about in different terms compared to last year?

"No, Napoli are the best team in the league. Together with a couple of other sides, they have been the best. In terms of balance, reacting to situations, consistency, quality and depth in defence and attack, there is no one better. Their coach has proved his ability: he is a clever man, I've seen him at work. He has contributed to football and brought new things to the table. Both players and his fellow coaches have judged him to be a talent. He deserves compliments."

You have said that Jose Callejon is the best player at attacking the defensive line. Will you adjust anything in particular as a result?

"I've thought about telling whoever is marking him to be attentive and anticipate his bursts. If in doubt, go with him and do not hesitate because that's the most dangerous ball for him. If he gets it to feet, you'll always have a chance of winning it back."

Walter Sabatini said that he decided to leave Roma because his instinct was replaced by a different working culture. What's your reaction to this?

"Sabatini is a decent, talented man. He lives and breathes football from morning till night. Like me, he's only happy if he's winning. I followed his news conference, it was fantastic and I also understood everything that went unsaid. I'm sorry he said what he did because because I have to feel partly responsible. If the team had managed to get more results and set up a great platform, he probably would have thought twice about leaving. We haven't played at the height of our capabilities in some matches. I'm disappointed about that and I have to do a lot better than I have so far."

Is it too risky to play both Bruno Peres and Mohamed Salah on the right wing against Napoli?

"I think Bruno is doing well and I don't think he's any different to the player he was at Torino. He hadn't done much training at the beginning, but that was when we really needed him. Napoli are more productive down the left than the right, while we're equally good on our right and we should remember that. We have to accept the top-level challenges, that's how it is."

How are Radja Nainggolan and Kevin Strootman?

"Strootman had to play both matches for the Netherlands with no training in between. He has a problem that can be addressed and we'll work on that today. Radja has been a bit off-colour recently, compared with what we know he can do, and has had a few physical issues. He's training well and needs to continue in this manner. He has to get back to the level he's used to."

The away trip to Napoli is always a fiery occasion, especially in recent years, but the Stadio San Paolo will be full tomorrow with no away supporters. Do you think Roma fans have been harshly done by?

"Whenever such a black-and-white decision is taken against us, we need to analyse the motivations deep down and I don't have the tools to do that. I think fences and barriers always provoke whatever is inside some people to come out. In general, no one should be allowed to harm other people and those who have these intentions should be prevented from going. As for Napoli v Roma, everybody should contribute to creating a sporting and social atmosphere in which you are free to express your emotions based on the colours you love, letting other people show their passion at the same time. This factor even helps you to be on top of your game, without having to restrict the team in front of you in any way."

Do you think Napoli are at a level above Roma? Is it the toughest fixture of the season so far?

"They're a strong team. A few others are doing well too, like Sassuolo and Chievo Verona who are playing good football and looking to get the most out of games without dropping their level. We haven't been at top form in a few matches and tomorrow we have to produce our best performance. We're not on the peg below Napoli, we're on the same level. We're right up there with them, but they have one more point than us which means they've produced that little bit extra. Last year we beat them, but they didn't deserve to lose and could easily have won themselves. It was a contest played between two top sides, who both performed spectacularly on the pitch. I hope it reaches the same standard this time as well. There are many difficult fixtures, last time out against Inter for example. I'm always aiming to get better and these matches are the occasion to do so: I'm going there to play the game and try to win it. However, it will be tough because they are strong."

Is tomorrow a landmark to see whether Roma can compete at Juventus' level?

"Tomorrow is an important game. It's an opportunity to write our own future and the only way to do that is by doing things well, showing our qualities and getting the result. There will be other big matches to come, but your ability to match Juventus step-by-step increases or decreases based on how you come out of these fixtures. It will be a great occasion and we have to make sure we're ready."