Roma coach Luciano Spalletti insists last night's 3-2 derby defeat to Lazio won't derail their Scudetto hopes.

Rodrigo Taddei opened the scoring for Roma before Goran Pandev and Tommaso Rocchi from the spot had Lazio in front. Simone Perrotta hit an equaliser before Valon Behrami grabbed Lazio's winner in injury-time.

"What is crucial is that the team always tries to win every game, regardless of who we are facing. Tonight we did that," said Spalletti.

"We lost three points and the chance to give the table a real shake-up, but we will continue to go forward, always believing and working in the right way."

It was an extremely entertaining match, but the Giallorossi were far from happy with the soft penalty awarded for Juan's challenge on Rolando Bianchi.

"Lazio did better in the first half and were more compact, but after the break when we drew level then there were some situations we could have dealt with better.

"We took control of the game and were dominating play. As for the penalty, it's best we keep quiet. We'll accept Morganti's decision.

"The winning goal seemed like a dead end, but the two defenders left it for each other and Valon Behrami was smart to pounce."