Opinion: Five things we learned from Roma's 3-2 victory over Torino

Website columnist Edward Stratmann picks out five talking points from Wednesday night's last-minute victory over Torino, including how Spalletti's men have come from behind to grab points multiple times in recent fixtures...

1. Totti the saviour again

After coming off the bench to great effect against Bologna and Atalanta, Francesco Totti once again came on to rescue his side in the Giallorossi's dramatic 3-2 victory over Torino.

Entering the field in the 86th minute, Roma's legendary captain remarkably scored after just 22 seconds, with his first touch, to level things up and then bagged the winner three minutes later to snatch a crucial three points. An incredible impact indeed from the iconic hero, which also meant he secured his first ever brace as a substitute.

“Totti is the perfect player for a situation like this evening, when the team is dominating play and he's got the ability to turn the game,” explained a delighted Luciano Spalletti.

“When Totti is on the pitch, it's not just the players who receive an incredible boost but the entire stadium, which becomes the Olimpico we know it can be.

“From my point of view, I need to take into account factors like stamina, but in situations like these against teams that are shutting up shop, there's no better player than Totti.”

2. Powers of recovery

Having come from behind to gain points in their recent fixtures with Inter Milan, Bologna, Atalanta and now Torino, Spalletti's side's character and ability to fight their way back into matches has been utterly impressive. Down 2-1 with barely five minutes to go and staring down the barrel of their first defeat to Torino since 2007, they miraculously managed to pull together and win, which was yet another testament to their never say die attitude.

"It was a difficult game for us coming off the back of two draws,” Spalletti said.

“In terms of character and mental strength, we showed that we weren't at top form, but turning the match on its head like we did this evening will restore some spirit and magic that our team needs."

3. Champions League grip tightened

With Inter Milan losing to Genoa last night and Roma grabbing all three points, the Romans are now seven points clear of Inter with only four matches left. Barring a collapse, the club will be in the qualifiers at least for Europe's elite club competition next season. Upon considering their struggles prior to Spalletti taking over, their rise up the table has been quite an achievement indeed.

In addition, seeing as Roma are facing second placed Napoli up next, who are five points clear at present, there might even be a slight chance Spalletti's men could snatch second and that all-important final automatic Champions League qualification place if things go their way.

4. Nainggolan makes his mark

The Belgian midfield powerhouse put in a another sterling shift in the heart of midfield. Despite a sluggish start to the contest, it didn't take long for the all-action 27-year-old to stamp his mark. He went about his work with customary ferocity and intensity, as he contributed beautifully on both sides of the ball. His four shots, two key passes, four completed tackles, two interceptions and two clearances suitably evidenced his strong output.

5. Perotti's signing has been a masterstroke

Diego Perotti continued his wonderful form since joining the club in January, with his clever movement, sharp dribbling skills and brilliant passing ability bringing so much imagination to Roma's play in the final third. The fact he completed an outstanding five key passes and two successful dribbles aptly depicted what a menacing proposition he served to be for the Granata. Fascinatingly, since joining Roma, the 36 successful dribbles achieved by the tricky Argentine are the most of any Serie A player in that period. His signing has undoubtedly been a masterstroke.