Delneri wary of Spalletti effect

The Gialloblu boss pointed to the wave of fresh air accompanying Luciano Spalletti's appointment as one of the factors working against his team, besides the wealth of talent at the new Giallorossi's manager's disposal.

“The change in the dugout will have injected enthusiasm into the club, which is something they've been lacking recently,” the former Atalanta, Sampdoria, Juventus and Genoa coach claimed in a news conference ahead of Roma v Verona.

“I know Spalletti very well and he'll have his players fired up for this. They'll come out intent on producing a massive performance."

Delneri, who coached Roma for a brief spell in the 2004-05 season – shortly before Spalletti first joined Roma himself – has the difficult task of trying to preserve Verona's top-flight status.

He was brought in to replace Andrea Mandorlini on 1 December after Hellas' poor start to the season but they remain rooted to the foot of the table at the midway point having taken just eight points from 19 games. They sit six points below 19th-placed Carpi and 11 adrift of safety and are still seeking their first win.

Nonetheless, he insists his team are fighting fit and have what it takes to spring a surprise on Sunday.

“Tomorrow will be another big test for us to see if we've got what it takes to beat the drop. The Roma fans have given Spalletti a great reception but we have to make sure we go out there and get our own approach spot on.

“We have to pretend our season starts tomorrow and we kick off with a tough one against a quality side.

"Among the many talented players in their team, they have pace in [Mohamed] Salah and [Alessandro] Florenzi, [Miralem] Pjanic in midfield and [Edin] Dzeko as their target man.

"But if Verona are on the ball tomorrow, we can give them a game.”