Luciano Spalletti feels for Frank de Boer and the endless criticism of the Italian sports media as Roma host Inter tomorrow.

It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“Only Thomas Vermaelen is unavailable and we’ll evaluate his condition next week,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

Luciano Spalletti feels for Frank de Boer and the endless criticism of the Italian sports media as Roma host Inter tomorrow.

It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“Only Thomas Vermaelen is unavailable and we’ll evaluate his condition next week,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“We must do well and prove the level we have reached. Lately we’ve been training well, had a good game the other day (beating Astra Giurgiu 4-0 in the Europa League) and are on the right track. We must concentrate on what areas we can improve and then glance at the opposition.

“Inter are strong, so are Roma. Sooner or later they will show their quality too. I don’t really know De Boer, but at first glance he seems a very professional person, very reliable. If a club like Inter picked him, there must be a good reason.

“He only just started and should be allowed to do his work. I am pleased that De Boer already took some uncomfortable positions in the media and that shows character. There are situations in football that are down to timing. Having new stories emerge every day isn’t helpful for the project. A story says you’re useless, then the next is the opposite. That’s what happens in Italy.

“I prefer to face a team that attacks me, because if I do well, I find a lot of space to play in. But at times this pressure can create some fear. It will all depend on our pace and how ready we are in every phase of the game.

“The criticism of my team has often forgotten some very important statistics that I haven’t seen anywhere. It’s all about doubling up marking and covering the passing lines, all things that happen off the ball. I am not satisfied with those elements because we are not balanced as a team.

“I never hear anyone praise Mohamed Salah for how many times he attacks the defensive line. Jose Callejon is the best at that, but Salah is very good too.”

Spalletti was asked if he was ever close to taking over the Inter bench.

“I don’t like to talk about it, as I trained the clubs that were interested in me. I am happy with that.”

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