Roma manager Luciano Spalletti played down claims that Francesco Totti is in a tense mood after the Roma captain had missed a penalty for the sixth time this season in Saturday's Serie A victory over Reggina. Totti looked furious with the Reggina goalkeeper Andrea Campagnolo after he blocked his spot kick but the Roma captain said afterwards that he felt annoyed as the goalkeeper tricked him by saying he knows where he's going to shoot. "There is nothing wrong with the player," Spalletti told a press conference. "I am not worried about Totti, he isn't tense at all." Spalletti did not seem to be concerned by the repetitive failure suffered by the Roma playmaker to convert from the spot as he confirmed recently that Totti will remain the club's number one penalty taker. "He is one of our most important players and has given a decisive contribution to our improvements over the past two years,'' said the Roma coach.
Spalletti Spalletti insisted his relationship with Totti was great and that he knows how to bring the best out of the charismatic Roma skipper. "I know how to manage him (Totti), I have learned this by getting to know him better, and I am aware of what I need to do. "When I say that there are things that he needs to improve, I do it only for his well-being, as well as for the entire group," he added. The Giallorossi are currently second in the Italian Serie A table on 52 points, 14 behind runaway leaders Inter Milan. Roma are getting ready for a decisive Champions League second-leg clash with Lyon on March 6th. The first-leg at the Olimpico Stadium ended in a goalless draw.
