Spalletti: Let's start filling the stadiums again

Speaking at a conference entitled 'Lawfulness breaks down barriers' at the Sapienza University of Rome on Monday, the AS Roma coach explained that fan violence has a knock-on effect on everyone, even the team itself.

“Sometimes what happens outside the stadium can cause problems for me in my job too,” Spalletti began.

“One of my players asked me for permission to break my rule of not using mobile phones in the dressing room because he wanted to find out if his wife and children, who were coming to the stadium, were ok.” He said: 'I can't relax unless I know they're in their seats at the stadium.' Sometimes the players give their phones to the physio or the team manager because they're worried something might happen outside.

"So I had to go back on a rule I considered fundamental so that I could be sure my players were able to perform. I allowed them to use their phones because if they're not relaxed then they're not going to be at their best. You need to be mentally right to play football.

“To help me prepare for what to say on the theme of barriers, I went and looked up the word in the dictionary. It talks about obstacles, division and restricting freedom. That's what it is.

“I don't want to have to sit down with my five-year-old daughter and tell her we need barriers to be able to go to the stadium. We have to find alternative solutions. I understand the way things are but we also need to realise that the stadiums are empty and we need to fill them.

“There's only one time when it's ok to put up a barrier and that's when Totti takes a free kick.”

And on the subject of Totti, Spalletti was asked if the Roma captain will be signing a new contract.

“That's a question you'll have to put to Mauro Baldissoni. I've always given the same answer on this and I always will: I'm happy if Totti is happy. If Totti wants to sign the contract, I'm by his side and I'll help him and support him.”

The Giallorossi boss added that football needs to help itself by instigating better behaviour.

“I've been lucky enough to have had the chance to work outside Italy for five years and see football in different stadiums around Europe, and certain things only happen here. Elsewhere you see different colours mingling outside the stadium without people laying into each other.

“We need more passion for sport and more love for the game. It's partly our fault too. We have to do a better job of sending out the right message. We need to do our bit to make sure we have full stadiums.