Roma chief Gianpaolo Montali says Italian football can be proud of the exciting finish to the season.

Montali also hailed both the Giallorossi and champions Inter Milan, who were separated by only two points.

"We are proud that we kept the title race alive and proud of these fans who took us to this point," he stated.

"We lacked that final step, but this is the best investment for the future. Obviously there is some disappointment.

"We set our objectives one game at a time until we played against Inter. Even when we took the top of the table, we never gave in and always kept our focus. The Coach and players outdid themselves.

"We compliment those who won the title, that is the right thing to do. Will Claudio Ranieri still be on the Roma bench? Certainly."