Spalletti's pre-Inter press conference in full

Coach Luciano Spalletti sat down with the media on Saturday to preview the game against Inter Milan.

The Nerazzurri come to the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening, with both sides looking for a three points that would help consolidate an otherwise erratic start to the season.

As usual the boss began by updating reporters on the availability of his squad - with Thomas Vermaelen the only player who remains a short-term absentee.

The Belgian could be available to return following the international break, depending on how further assessments go.

See the full transcript from Spalletti's press conference below.

Is it hard to prepare against an inconsistent side?

“For our part, we’ve not really given a strong indication of what we’re about so far. I think we could say the same thing about Inter. It’s essential that we play well and show what level this team is on. We need to do that by playing as a collective and being able to react to situations in the game.

"I’d say we’ve trained well recently and that we’re on the right track. We need to concentrate on what we can improve and obviously take our opponents into consideration. Inter are a strong side, just like Roma, and sooner or later they’ll show just how good they are. We need to be alert.”

14 goals scored and eight conceded. What’s needed to find balance?

“There are actions and stats which people don’t care to think about. We have the obvious figures like ball possession, goals, assists. But there are a number of other ones that you perhaps aren’t familiar with, or aren’t so interested in, which actually give a good idea of how balanced the team is.

"Doubling up on opponents, closing down passing lanes, the number of times getting in behind the defensive line. These are numbers that newspapers don’t pick up, but are very important when you look at a game. Many don’t look at the match away from the ball, which is equally important. Everyone is attracted to the ball.”

Those stats we don’t see, how are they for your team? Good or bad?

“Since you put forward some figures, I responded by saying that there are others. Teams which can double up more often on their opponents are likely to win games. Those which close down passing lanes are going to win more balls. We don’t come out top when those numbers are considered. I’ve not heard anyone talk about how many times a team has got behind the opponent’s defence. [Mohamed] Salah is one of the best at doing so. [Jose] Callejon is, for me, the best of all, but Salah too. When you attack the back-line, you then need to know who to play it to. Juventus are the best side when these numbers are considered, and they will get even better. We have to know how to make the most of situations that occur.”

Frank de Boer went from being a phenomenon after the victory over Juve to a failure after the Europa League game. Is there a lack of balance when people judge him?

“I don’t know him well; I can only go on what I’ve seen from Inter. He seems to be a serious and professional person. Inter will have picked him for a reason. He needs to be left to do his work, he’s got going now and I really think he’ll show his worth. He’s already shown character by making tough decisions. He’ll show just how good he is.

"His project at Inter needs to be looked at over a period of months, but the media needs to produce daily news which means someone can be a phenomenon one week and a failure the next.”

Kevin Strootman said that when Francesco Totti plays, the team has more confidence. Is there an issue of dependence on him? Will he play against Inter?

“I’m not going to reveal the line-up; I don’t want to give a strong side like Inter an advantage. We go from June when people were calling for Totti to have a final run round all the stadiums to saying he should be picked for a big match. There needs to be a middle ground; with calmer and more balanced reasoning, a solution can be found.

"Until now I’ve continued as I said I would initially, and I will continue to do so. I know of other stats, beyond those that you have highlighted. There are infinitely more than those two. I have to take them all into account.”

De Boer is trying to make Inter play as they never have previously: pressing high in order to dominate the game. Could that benefit Roma given the way they play?

“It depends whether we are able to build our play and find the right rhythm. I prefer it when teams come at us and attack. That means that if we keep hold of the ball well, you can find space behind the defensive line. Of course if they come at us strongly and do it well, it will make it harder for us to keep hold of the ball. It depends on their intensity and the speed with which we can move the ball and come up with ideas in different phases of play.”

Have you ever been close to the Inter job?

“I don't like talking about which clubs have shown an interest me. I've never discussed that sort of thing and I wouldn't even if they had contacted me. I've coached clubs that have wanted me and I'm happy with what I've achieved. I've learnt a lot from each and every experience.”

Francesco Totti has played more regularly in the last three weeks than in the five previous months. Is Totti different or are Roma different? Is he up to starting matches that are played at a high tempo?

“I've said from the very start that the team is the most important thing for me. He's done well so he's been in my thoughts. He's very involved with the team at the moment and doing what the team needs to do well. That's why he's in my thoughts.”

Are you worried or happy that a 40-year-old footballer can get the team playing better?

“I'm just happy when the team improves. If I should be worried about anything, it's the rest of the team. I think [Juan Manuel] Iturbe won an important free-kick on Thursday – the one [Federico] Fazio then scored from. No one mentions the fact he beat his man and took a kick to the ankle. People don't give the same weight to things that other players do which are just as important to the team. I say that to help the team grow and for our mental strength.

"But if Francesco pulls off more moves, scores more goals, does more of everything, then I'm happy and I bear it all in mind, while assessing what I feel he can give us. That's my job after all.”