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Spalletti builds up Sporting test Monday 22 October, 2007
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Roma boss Luciano Spalletti is in no doubt that tomorrow’s clash against Sporting Lisbon is a must-win. “It’s almost a knockout game.”
The Giallorossi will look to bounce back from defeat against Manchester United as they take on the Portuguese giants at the Stadio Olimpico.
With Dynamo Kiev yet to claim a point it looks like the battle for the second qualification spot will be a race between Roma and Sporting.
“We are playing for a place in the next round in these next two games against Lisbon,” Spalletti stated. “They are an attacking side and they have lots of danger men.”
After a 4-4 draw in the Derby del Sud against Napoli, the Magica have had to contend with Press reports that they lost their nerve, but Spalletti disagrees.
“There’s no crisis here,” the Tuscan tactician insisted. “We aren’t closing out the results we deserve and things have gone against us.
“We need to stay calm because all this talk isn’t good for anything.”
Midfielders Rodrigo Taddei and Alberto Aquilani as well as stopper Marco Andreolli are likely to miss out on the key encounter with Sporting.
However, there is good news for Spalletti as goalkeeper Alexander Doni and defenders Juan and Christian Panucci should return.
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glad to hear or back line key players are returning.