Roma had taken the lead at San Siro with Francesco Totti's volley, but a last-gasp Javier Zanetti strike made it 1-1 to maintain Inter's nine-point lead at the top.

"I think we could have sealed up the points, but above all should have been more careful, because at one stage Inter threw on three strikers," said Spalletti. "Before the game we knew it would be crucial not to leave anything to Inter which, apart from Zanetti's goal, I'd say we achieved.

"It was essential not to lose our balance and the team did that well. Then if the second goal arrives, even better, but in the meanwhile don't leave Inter anything to get hold of because they are so clinical.

"Then we went and conceded a goal that was frankly avoidable. Zanetti did well to get that shot, there's no denying it."

Zanetti's equaliser came after Roma defender Philippe Mexes received his second yellow card.

"Mexes said he did not foul anyone for that second yellow card," claimed Spalletti. "The lads are very angry and they are right, because it is absolutely not a foul.

"In fact, Mexes said he stopped so as to avoid crashing into him, but Hernan Crespo was sneaky and Roberto Rosetti fell for it."

Spalletti all but concedes their Scudetto ambitions are over and done with for another season.

"This is my third year here in second place. This is a situation we can work upon and improve in the future."