Spalletti will turn things around

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has no intention of stepping down despite his team's dismal start to the campaign.

The Giallorossi lost 2-1 at home to Romanian minnows CFR Cluj in their UEFA Champions League opener on Tuesday night.

The result followed a 3-1 weekend defeat at Palermo and a 1-1 draw at Napoli in their first Serie A match.

"I am not leaving Roma," Spalletti declared. "The fans must be calm because now we will work even harder."

Against Cluj, Roma led after a goal from Christian Panucci only to be undone by Emmanuel Curio, who scored twice to silence the Stadio Olimpico crowd.

"We played so-so in the first half and after the restart things went from bad to worse," Spalletti said.

"We must turn around this situation because otherwise it will become harder."

Midfielder Daniele De Rossi played down Roma's winless start, saying: "This is not a tragedy.

"But it's obvious that something is happening as everyone can see.

"We complicated our lives against Cluj and in the Champions League. A false step like this one can cost you dearly.

"We have the means to react but we must do it quickly."

Roma will return to Europe's elite club competition next month when they travel to France to face Bordeaux.

For now, the Giallorossi's focus will be on Saturday's home league game against Reggina.

Source: Sporting Life