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Spalletti impressed with Roma Wednesday 27 September, 2006

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Luciano Spalletti was impressed with Roma’s performance in Valencia and insists they’re still in the running for qualification.

“This was a wasted opportunity because I didn’t see Valencia play any better than we did and we failed to take our chances,” he said after the 2-1 defeat. “We lost, so there is something we have to work on, but we leave the Mestalla with our heads held high.”

The Giallorossi had thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk 4-0 in their opener and are still in second place in Group D thanks to the 2-2 draw between the Ukrainians and Olympiakos.

“Considering the other results, we’re still very much in the running for qualification and our overall performance was a promising sign. Of course we’d prefer to have all our players available, especially when you play every three days, but we didn’t pick up any new injuries, which is at least a blessing.”

Amantino Mancini, Rodrigo Taddei and Mirko Vucinic were out of his trip to Spain, but it was in defence where Roma disappointed.

“Goals are always important in a match, but the team continued to play good football and create chances even after we went behind. The second goal was a bit tougher, as the defence should’ve been set out better and prevented it. When you concede any goal there’s always going to be something you could’ve done better. In terms of a defensive approach, we certainly weren’t 100 per cent.”

Vincenzo Montella was introduced for the second half in place of Alberto Aquilani, but Spalletti doesn’t regret his original line-up.

“I think I made the right decisions, as the side did better in the first half than in the second with two strikers, as Valencia scored with basically two counter-attacks. We still could’ve taken a point or even won it with the right circumstances.”

Francesco Totti marked his 30th birthday with a penalty, but it wasn’t enough to earn a point.

“Francesco’s fitness levels are improving, but they’re still not perfect and he needs time to reach that level of old.”


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