Spalletti: The squad has made big strides forward

Speaking to Roma Radio, the coach talked about the heightening battle with Maurizio Sarri's side, insisting his squad are eager to do battle over the final days of the campaign.

"The kick-off times make absolutely no odds," Spalletti said, with Roma set to play before Napoli this weekend. "We mustn't concern ourselves with anything other than our job.

"This is getting fun."

The coach also answered questions about Radja Nainggolan, squad rotation, and the importance of the crowd in the final home game of the season against Chievo Verona.

Read Spalletti's answers in full below:

Has Radja Nainggolan made that position behind the forwards his own?

"Nainggolan is a warrior on the pitch, he wins possession back from the opposition before they can get set and he enjoys that. He's comfortable there, closes everyone down and has the chance to press more. He definitely gives the opposition a problem. He has to cover back quickly, however, to give us an overload in midfield."

Is it commonplace in football these days to switch systems on a regular basis?

"We haven't changed our formation too much. We've stayed true to our philosophy and how we want to play - pick a side that bosses the game and keeps the ball, who can produce a level where we feel comfortable. Then you can decide to pick one player or another here or there but the basic principle is as follows - we have to be in charge."

Many have suggested that Roma's recent run of games might have been easy but in actual fact all the sides you've faced have caused problems.

"Often you play your best football when you don't have pressure to get a result. It's not easy when you meet teams and sides who haven't played as much and who go out there to put themselves in the shop window. Juventus are the only other team to win at Genoa, which shows it's in no way an easy place to go."

Do you have more options now that Kevin Strootman is back starting again?

"There have been games when we've nearly been short in terms of numbers available, so we're delighted if we have a few extra men now. I believe our team have made fundamental steps forward - we've changed the squad dynamics and our approach to getting results. I see progress and that's crucial, I can see it from how they are in training. It's always been like that but after the initial period you can now really sense this tangible feeling of enjoying one another's success and that's huge progress for the team."

Do the players help each other out more?

"Playing football is important. Defenders have to defend, sure, but they also need to build the play. Do I win it back and clear it or give my team-mate something to work with? We get ball possession up and running, where everyone is involved, they have more touches of the ball and enjoy it because of the ability we have. The only risk with this flow of possession in the opposition half is if they get sucked into trying to go that yard further and lose balance, a little like what happened to Bayern Munich against Atletico Madrid. That side of things is important. Manage the ball, look to build and create but also be ready, when you lose the ball, to avoid giving the opposition too much room to work in. This is what's crucial when you play in the opposition half with a high defensive line."

Is it easy to manage so many top players on the bench or does it give you sleepless nights?

"Over the second half of the season, where possible, we've seen what people can do. Some of the lads haven't responded well, whereas others' performances are there for all to see. Away from matches, i.e. when we're all together in Trigoria, we train and it's there where we outline our ideas and the options which then show on the team sheet. That's where we trace the right route forward and everyone needs to get in line. The best players are on track, while the rest need to perform well to hop on board."

You'll get a big help from the crowd in your final home game.

"That's always nice. Football is designed to have the crowd involved. We should be talking more often about a full house, as opposed to this impasse. We're all together and involved at the stadium, that's great and we'll see it on Sunday. I'm sure the players will regain that enthusiasm of having the fans supporting us."

You and Napoli play at different times, is there anything in that?

"The kick-off times make absolutely no odds. We mustn't concern ourselves with anything other than our job. Whoever plays, that's fine. Those who aren't starting came on at Genoa and turned the game around. Edin Dzeko played a great ball, Francesco Totti scored another great goal and got involved in the build-up, taking free-kicks and scrapping in midfield. This is getting fun."