Sunday 4 May, 2008

Luciano Spalletti is not expecting a new Scudetto challenge, but Alexander Doni insists, “We believe!”

Today’s Milan derby result and Roma’s 3-0 victory away to Sampdoria has closed the title gap to just three points.

“It only increases our regrets, as without that draw with Livorno the situation would have been different,” mused the Coach.

“In football every little incident makes the difference. At times it has gone badly, at others we took home a result when we perhaps didn’t play as well.”

The Giallorossi were struggling at Samp and were twice saved by the woodwork before news came through of the derby result and Roma stepped up a gear.

“Samp were more motivated in the first half, but in the second we managed to figure out the spaces and legitimised the victory.

Today we did well to carry on under pressure and win against a very strong side. Second place is very important, as we confirm our place in the top two for the third year running. Now it is our duty to try to close the gap on Inter.”

Spalletti may be keeping a lid on the celebrations, but goalkeeper Doni is far more confident.

“It will be difficult to take the Scudetto, but we still believe. Whatever happens, we won’t have any regrets.”

Sampdoria boss Walter Mazzarri was not unimpressed with his squad following this 3-0 home defeat.

“We played practically a perfect game, then between Doni’s saves and bad luck we ended up empty-handed.

“When you try to go for the victory at all costs against a side like Roma, you leave yourself open to the counter-attack. Nothing changes, as we weren’t obligated to reach a high level and have already surpassed expectations.”