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Roma Star Francesco Totti: Inter Fouled Plenty, But It's Part Of The Game

The captain believes enduring tough tackles is part and parcel of Calcio...

Nov 9, 2009 2:17:29 PM

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Francesco Totti - Roma (Grazia Neri)

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Francesco Totti

Roma legend Francesco Totti has played down the hype behind Inter's rough and tumble tactics, claiming 'it is all part of the game'.

Daniele De Rossi came out worse than anyone during the 1-1 broil and battle on Sunday night at the Giuseppe Meazza. The Italian has undergone surgery to fix a fractured cheekbone after feeling the full force of Patrick Vieira's elbow. Totti can count himself lucky as he never played, but agrees the Nerazzurri were very physical.

"Looking back at the game, you can see there were plenty of really hard fouls, but this is part of the game," Totti told Sky Sport Italia.

"We know that when we play against big teams anything can happen."

The result has left an air of optimism at Trigoria, and 'Er Pupone' feels finishing fourth is a realistic target for his side.

"The important thing is to arrive in the top four, that is the objective this season. There are always highs and lows, but we are trying to grow step by step," added the number 10.

Despite Inter's dominance, Totti believes the chasing pack have a resplendent source of hope for the title.

"The league has always been open. There are still plenty of games. Even if Inter beat us, the race would still be on. We stopped a challenger for the Scudetto, and we are happy with that result."

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com