Spalletti's pre-Genoa press conference in full

Luciano Spalletti spoke to the media on Sunday afternoon, to preview Monday's Serie A clash against Genoa.

The coach updated reporters on the injury status of some members of the squad, before fielding questions on a variety of issues.

"You're all aware that Miralem Pjanic is suspended and Alessandro Florenzi is only 90% fit so is out," Spalletti said. "He hasn't recovered from an injury to his left hip flexor.

"Iago Falque felt some pain to his right flexor two days ago, it was looking as if he might be able to come back into the side but the issue hasn't gone away so he won't be in the squad. Salih Ucan was suffering from a respiratory infection and he had to visit the hospital but now he's feeling better. Seydou Keita had some discomfort in his ankle, which was swollen a couple of days ago. He's still feeling it actually but we'll make a decision on him.

"Similarly, Vasilis Torosidis tweaked his hip yesterday and we'll have to look at him again today. Norbert Gyomber is available and will travel with us."

Genoa have picked up 33 points out of 43 at home and are going into the fixture on the back of five consecutive wins at their own ground. Is the match likely to be tougher than you first imagined?

"It would have been tough anyway. Everyone knows the great job Gian Piero Gasperini is doing with this team. Genoa produce fantastic footballers every year. Gasperini's approach is interesting – he focuses a lot on fight, intensity and physical power and they play at their best when at home. It will be a difficult game but we're clinging to the possibility of a huge achievement and we'll stick at it for the next three games. Let's go there full of confidence."

It looks as if Roma will be heavy up front with Edin Dzeko and three other attacking players?

"I always think offensively whenever I set my team up. When things are working well in a team, anybody is able to score and get into attacking positions. I've already told Dzeko what I had to say to him and he needs to be good at converting the chances that come his way. He can rest assured when he's needed – be it sooner or later – he will be used. He needs to make sure he's always ready to show us his ability."

Is there a chance Kevin Strootman will feature in Genoa?

"Strootman will start the game. We're all relying on him for our future and tomorrow he will begin to show us all that he's up to the challenge."

Are the stories of Atletico Madrid and Leicester evidence that you can still prevail against the monied elite?

"This is what is great about this sport. These successes open up opportunities for anyone who does this job. We're particularly attached to Leicester, especially since Claudio Ranieri is at the helm. We hope the season ends as everybody wants it to. You can achieve anything with humility and hard work. I am delighted you get this stories."

Roma were able to soak up the pressure against Napoli and punish them at the other end a la Juventus but couldn't make up their mind against Torino and Atalanta, what are they missing?

"We have done some fantastic things this season – great stats, decent play and a strong defence despite what people say. Juventus are a carefully constructed side that is improved year on year with the addition of a few more stars. We still need to find our balance. We lack character resolve and strength in some matches, but through quality and conviction these lads still manage to cover all the bases. We can improve still further but we're at a good level. We need to continue down this path and keep our heads about us. There's been so much talk going on but my players have shown that they're focused on getting results for Roma, without being distracted by transfer rumours. They go about their business in training professionally and you can see their desire to achieve big for Roma."

Has your opinion been sought out over the issue of Francesco Totti's contract renewal?

"My view is not needed here. Ever since the start I've said the same thing: It's not up to me. I'm happy to coach Francesco but this issue is up to them. I don't want to run the risk of being lumbered with managing this situation. My role is head coach, I coach him and I'll use him as and when I see fit. That will be the case as long as I'm here."

Nainggolan hadn't scored in the league before you arrived, but under your management he's changed position and scored five goals. Will he be played there again in the future?

"He'll play there tomorrow, it's in my interests and Radja's. He'd run through a brick wall to get results and that matters for all of us. You were critical of playing him in this position but the collective effort is the most important thing. When he plays Nainggolan is all over his opponent. The issue of his defensive contribution is what doesn't add up for you but for me you don't address that simply by putting another man behind the ball. You have to make the opposition play poorly in their half of the pitch. If the opposition defender or midfielder doesn't have time to play, my defenders only have one solution to make. It gives them fewer decisions and less difficulty."

Does Leandro Castan have a place in this Roma side or is he out of the frame?

"Castan has made some big strides forward, especially recently. It isn't easy for him to come on in these situations. If he continues to progress, it will open up opportunities for anything. He needs real match experience and the game where I played him seemed ideal but it turned out he wasn't ready. He's working hard and he's got amazing inner strength. He's always got desire and we might be able to use him."

You wanted a say in transfer dealings while you were at Zenit St Petersburg. Will that be the case at Roma too?

"We've got Walter Sabatini here who is brilliant at his job. I'm convinced Walter will take charge of the transfer window next year and will add quality to the squad."

You said that you need top players to reduce the gap to Juventus. Is Cristian Ansaldi an example of such a player?

"I think that Lucas Digne has had a superb season and Alessandro Florenzi can do a good job at full-back. Maicon has been ready when available and Emerson is a good player – naturally left-footed and possessing quality. He needs to play a bit more in order to boost his confidence and show everyone what he's got. These guys are enough for now. I only care about the season in progress and letting my players know what they've done is exceptional. The team has achieved all this without support from the stands. Add the Curva Sud to what we've produced and you'll see what we're capable of. The way we play needs a charged atmosphere, excitement, chants, involvement from the stands and emotion. The chants outside the stadium are just as loud, but having them inside would have made the difference. We've had a superb season, regaining ground on Napoli, Inter and Fiorentina and putting in incredible effort. These players got themselves out of a tricky situation with good football, quality and conviction. The guys want to give it their all in order to finish second, everything else doesn't matter."