Roma legend reflects on unique supporters and historic European final

Luciano Spalletti has spoken again about Francesco Totti, recently naming him the best player he has managed in his career. Speaking to Tuttosport, Spalletti reflected on the Roma legend's exceptional technical gift: "Francesco was able to construct technical malice. He had the strength to transform plays into systems, and usually the opposite happens." Spalletti's remarks come as Totti remains a towering figure in Roma's recent history, having retired from the club in 2017 after a complete career spanning 1992–2017. The former coach's words underscore the singular nature of Totti's ability to elevate Roma's tactical approach through individual brilliance. Spalletti also touched on his time on Roma's bench, saying: "I loved him and experienced him as a totem of football beauty."

Luciano Spalletti has reflected on his time at Roma, his relationship with Francesco Totti, and his assessment of Daniele De Rossi in a lengthy interview with Tuttosport. The conversation ranged across the emotional demands of managing in Italy's most passionate cities and the complex dynamics that shaped his tenure at the Giallorossi. Spalletti contrasted the experience of working in different Italian footballing environments, saying: "Fatico ad andare nei salotti e conoscere gente. Torino, for example, is perfect: they leave you in peace. At Naples the love of the fans takes your breath away, for some it can even become suffocating, but I breathed it all in deeply. The same as Rome. I also understand that way of living football, because I went through it myself." He spoke warmly of De Rossi as a young coach to monitor, noting: "I like Daniele De Rossi. And I also watch Francesco Farioli at Porto." The most revealing section addressed Totti directly. Following recent comments from the former number 10 that the two would need to "tell each other the whole truth" to make real peace, Spalletti responded with both deflection and substantive reflection. "But no, don't make me cause trouble," he said. "In November we're going to shoot the second part of the advert you've already seen on TV: we climbed trees, we put rafts in the lake, we created tunnels. But let this be clear: in these years I've argued more with the people around him than with him. We both made mistakes, but he's skilled. Even at being light, at coming to wind you up all the time." When the conversation shifted to Totti's ability as a player, Spalletti's language became even more emphatic. He described Totti's technical brilliance with a striking image: "He was capable of constructing technical malice. He had the strength to transform plays into schemes, and usually the opposite happens. I gave him the machine of the future: I suffered for years from his charisma, his power, and when I arrived at Roma and found myself coaching him I couldn't believe my eyes. I loved him and suffered under him as a totem of footballing beauty."

Vincent Candela, the former Roma defender, has predicted that Roma will beat Real Madrid in their upcoming Champions League fixture, citing the tactical qualities of Gasperini's squad. Speaking at the FIP Gold Mediolanum Padel Cup in Perugia, Candela reflected on Roma's recent 2–2 draw against Inter and the momentum it has built. "The Inter squad is one against which it is not easy to play. It has always scored at least two goals and then often won. Against Roma, though, that did not happen. It gave even more drive, confidence and self-awareness," he said. Candela also expects Roma to push Inter hard in the Serie A title race, with Como further back. He highlighted the upcoming fixture against Real Madrid as a tactical showcase between two different managerial approaches. "It will certainly be a fine match from a tactical point of view; Gasperini and Fabregas are two different coaches, but both have a well-defined personality," Candela stated. The former defender singled out forward Donyell Malen for particular praise, saying: "I believe very much in Malen: he is strong, dynamic, sees the goal and is concrete." Gasperini has shifted Malen from his habitual role, and Candela expects significant returns. "I think he will reach beyond 20 goals and will have a great season," he predicted. On Roma's challenge against Real Madrid in ten days at the Olimpico, Candela was emphatic: "It will be a celebration. I think Roma will win. I do not say this as a fan, but because I look at the characteristics of Gasperini's squad and the comparison with Mourinho's."