Spalletti calls on Roma to speak up in ´match of truth´

Coach of Roma football club Luciano Spalletti, seen here in 2007, has called on his players to prove their status as realistic contenders for the Italian league title when they face Inter Milan on Wednesday.

      ROME (AFP) - AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has called on his players to prove their status as realistic contenders for the Italian league title when they face Inter Milan on Wednesday.

      Inter lead Roma by nine points in the race for the Serie A crown.

      "You could call our meeting with Inter the 'match of truth'," Spalletti said on Tuesday ahead of the San Siro clash.

      "If we come out on top, it will prove that we are the team that has been Inter's most difficult opponent in the past two years. And we would close the gap enough to become an even bigger contender for the championship."

      Roma stole a march on their rivals with a 1-0 win over Fiorentina last weekend, with Inter salvaging a 1-1 draw - but dropping two points - against Sampdoria thanks to a Hernan Crespo header 19 minutes from time.

      And Roma have a possible psychological edge.

      Inter, who have won the past two Serie A crowns, have only one defeat in their last 62 league matches. But that last loss was on April 18, 2007, when Roma beat them 3-1 at the San Siro.

      Spalletti however knows that Inter will be no pushover: "Of course if Inter win it will be a big problem for us.

      "Whatever happens, it will be a difficult match. Inter are strong all over the park and we have to lift our mentality and go into this match believing we can beat them."

      Spalletti added: "Inter have more of a physical presence, and can change the course of a match with one single action. We on the other hand play more as a team, and we will be looking to use our speed to our advantage."

      Inter coach Roberto Mancini hinted that another draw would not spell disaster for his side, but he too is looking for a win.

      "A draw would suit us as well. But I'm sure Roma will be looking for a win, so will definitely be going out there looking to take all three points."