Spalletti: Derby Win Crucial For Our Future

The Giallorossi are 16 points adrift of leaders Inter in Serie A, albeit with a game in hand, and are unlikely to re-enter the Scudetto race this term.

However, the hard-fought win in the stracittadina with the Biancocelesti will certainly provide a major morale-boost that Spalletti hopes will spur his side on to make up lost ground.

“We clearly have superior qualities than what has transpired from our performances so far,” the ex-Udinese tactician noted on Sky Sport Italia.

“And I accept my responsibilities, as a trainer has a great importance within a team. We have not won many games up until now, but we have realised in those encounters that there were also psychological factors behind our problems.

“Some signs were there in Sunday’s clash with Lazio too, but we managed to bag the three points that could allow us to work in a more tranquil environment in the future.”

The Eternal City side have also tightened the ship in the Champions League with an impressive win over Chelsea, but the 49-year-old warns against complacency.

“We must re-create a right mentality,” he insisted, “and not dwell on these two important wins over Chelsea and Lazio.

“We have to keep going down this path and hope this renewed enthusiasm can give us a much-needed shot in the arm.”

Vince Masiello