Roma coach Luciano Spalletti believes they’re gathering momentum after yesterday’s 1-0 victory over Fiorentina.

The win - and Inter Milan’s 1-1 at Sampdoria - has reduced the gap at the top of the table to nine points just days before a head-to-head battle at San Siro.

“I think up until now Roma have had a great season and if Inter are nine points in front then they have been almost impeccable,” said Spalletti, who saw Cicinho hit the winner after halftime. It still seems like a very large gap, though. It is difficult to play every three days and that means we are all playing below our capabilities at the moment. Inter are better in the air and from set-pieces, we play well with the ball to feet at pace, so we must try to push the game towards our characteristics.”

Fiorentina also played in Europe midweek and that clearly affected their performance at the Olimpico.

“Despite this situation, the two teams faced each other openly and there could have been many more goals for both sides, but the prerogative was to ensure the fans enjoyed themselves.”