Spalletti: Win has us back on track

Kostas Manolas scored the winner for the Giallorossi, after Edin Dzeko had opened the scoring early in the first half.

The 2-1 victory puts Spalletti's side third in the table after seven games, albeit five points behind reigning champions Juventus.

“It's a great win and it gets us back on track," Spalletti said. "There was too much talk about the team and we hadn't been doing brilliantly up to now – we've had a few ups and downs.

"This win gives us the chance to work on things at length and with the time we have we'll be able to look at everything in more detail.”

What is it that's been holding Roma back till now?

“There are times when we're not the team we should be, when we don't look like professionals wearing the Roma shirt. We have to make sure the team game we play has a meaning and we have to think about every ball. Sometimes we seem happy to just defend and then our opponents make us do all the running – that's when we find it harder.”

What did you say to Kostas Manolas when you hugged at the end?

“We often have animated discussions with him. He's a lad with huge potential and his physical prowess is immense. He played better in the second half and he has to make sure he produces the performances you expect from someone with his strength consistently.”

Can we expect to see Edin Dzeko keep his place in the team after a performance like that?

“I've been saying since the start of the season that we need a player like him. A striker with the build he's got offers you different options: besides playing our way forwards we can also try hitting it long into the box. Edin has great technical ability too and he's fast. Sometimes it's just his mentality that lets him down a little. He's sensitive and needs support.

"Today he left the pitch with the crowd applauding him and I think that's the best thing that could have happened to him. It will make him stronger for the coming games. I expect him to put his weight about a bit more. Edin is a wonderful person and a magnificent footballer. And tonight we're all happy because we've beaten a great side.”

Juventus keep winning. Do you think they're running away with it?

“We have to make sure we keep running ourselves. We want to win every match. Whether or not that means we want to win the Scudetto, I don't know. You tell me.”

How do you think Mohamed Salah played today?

“He's a superb player and I think he'd be right at home in the English game because with such searing pace he just leaves you for dead over 60 metres. He's not great defensively, so when he doesn't take his chances up front it's tough, especially against big teams like Inter who make life hard for you.”

Alessandro Florenzi turned in a really good performance today. What did you think of him?

“Florenzi is handy wherever you play him. He's good at pushing forward and when playing at full-back. He's a player you can really count on.”