AS Roma coach Zdenek Zeman has defended Panagiotis Tachtsidis against the club's boo-boys.

The midfielder has been targeted by home fans this season.

"The lad is sensitive and was upset when he was jeered on Sunday," said Zeman.

"Some people say he has only played in Serie B, but everyone wanted us to sign Marco Verratti, who had only played in Serie B before going to PSG.

"I often speak to the player and try to reassure him. He now needs to react and prove he belongs at Roma. It's only natural that the fans are going against him when this duality with Daniele De Rossi has emerged."