Roma can handle the absence of skipper Francesco Totti in tonight's derby against Lazio, insists coach Luciano Spalletti.

"We want him back as soon as possible," said Spalletti, "that much is obvious.

"But we also want to show that the team can do well without him. There is no player that is irreplaceable, especially for a derby game. In these matches, the feelings and emotion go beyond playing ability.

"It's a game where the team that is struggling can actually come out winners. All form goes out the window."