There are strong reports the Giallorossi will part ways with their Coach at the end of the season – some even say earlier following an alleged blazing row with the club hierarchy over the decision to put the team into a pre-match ‘ritiro’.

“I have met with President [Rosella] Sensi a while back and I speak daily with directors [Daniele] Pradè and Bruno Conti. I will sit down with the President at the end of the season and that is when we’ll weigh up the situation.”

When asked if the Spalletti era at the Olimpico had come to an end, his response was telling.

“Something has changed, in the sense that before we had better results and now it is getting worse, so this shifts the sands in an environment where the fans have the power.

“When someone puts in all his passion and can do nothing, then things must be accepted. The club has not told me they don’t have the same faith in me as they did before. I am part of this group and must adapt to the decisions of the club.”

The alleged row occurred when President Sensi put the team into a pre-match training camp – ritiro – “indefinitely” following the 4-1 defeat to Fiorentina, only to rescind on Wednesday when meeting with Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi. It’s a meeting Spalletti was reportedly not even told about.

“You know how I feel about a ritiro and other forms of punishment. I think it’s better to involve and speak to the players, although one can understand certain snap gestures prompted by the love and effort President Sensi puts into this club.

“It can be likened to a red card for a player who wants to get a result and gives everything he’s got at all costs, therefore going over the line.”

This is a very important connection for Spalletti to make, as Sensi’s furious statement after the Fiorentina game specifically named the 12 red cards Roma have received this season, almost all for dissent.

“The players took the responsibility of ending the ritiro and the consequences of that. My opinion doesn’t count and there was no need for me to be asked about it,” insisted the Coach.

“It was their initiative to request this meeting. I consider it a positive push and it’s very important they had clear and open dialogue with the President.”

David Pizarro was one of those sent off and is therefore suspended for Sunday’s match with Chievo, while Alexander Doni, Cicinho, Juan, Alberto Aquilani and Vincenzo Montella are injured.

There is good news with Mirko Vucinic and Jeremy Menez returning from their physical problems.

Roma squad: Panucci, Mexes, Vucinic, Totti, Taddei, Pipolo, Motta, Filipe, Loria, De Rossi, Riise, Baptista, Perrotta, Diamoutene, Tonetto, Menez, Artur, Bertagnoli, Brighi, Cassetti