Roma defender Simone Loria is ready for a rare start this weekend against Inter Milan.

Loria will play in the absence of Philippe Mexes and his agent, Antonio Dall'Aglio, said: "Simone is quiet and happy to have this opportunity to wear the jersey as a starter against Inter.

"The hope is to do well as he did recently when he was called into question. I see him very focused and this is important."

On rumours of rifts inside the Roma dressing room, Dall'Aglio added: "I think this talk is unfounded. Simone hasn't said anything to me about this."