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Spalletti plays down Roma row Monday 18 February, 2008

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Roma tactician Luciano Spalletti has denied that there is any friction at Trigoria ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League test against Real Madrid.

There have been reports in the peninsula’s Press that Giallorossi stars Alberto Aquilani and Christian Panucci exchanged insults after Roma’s defeat against Juventus and that tensions spilled over on the training ground yesterday.

However, Spalletti insists that the stories are exaggerations and that his side are calm and focused on defeating the Merengues.

“In three years here there have been few problems because the lads are always well behaved,” the Tuscan Coach stated.

“This time I don’t think that it is necessary to talk about it as a drama. The players were just disappointed after the defeat against Juventus and were a bit tense.

“It can happen that a few words and a gesture can be taken in a certain way, but things were contained and the moment has passed.”

Roma are in poor form as they face the Spanish champions after a defeat against Juventus that has seen them fall 11 points behind leaders Inter.

“The game against Real Madrid is the perfect chance to bounce back,” Spalletti claimed.

“When you are going through a period like this and you get a game of this importance it gives you a chance to send a clear message to everyone.

“Real worry me as a squad. Bernd Schuster is a great Coach and they played well even in their latest defeat.

“The ease with which they get forward is a concern and they really attack and defend as a team.

“The lads will do their best to get a result. Maybe Schuster is happy with a draw because he will have home advantage, but I believe in my team and I think that I will get a reaction,” Spalletti concluded.

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