Roma president Rosella Sensi has defended coach Luciano Spalletti's flagging team. Sensi said: "Do not lose sight of the achievements, successes won and the reputation earned nationally and internationally. This was centred on the 2007/2008 season when we won our ninth Coppa Italia and the Italian Supercup.

"Despite the difficulties of our league start, we should not reach hasty conclusions. If a few months ago the team was considered among the best performers, do not tell me now they're not ..."