Spalletti aiming high

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is aiming for a UEFA Champions League place, with his side currently fifth in Serie A after a string of impressive results.

The Giallorossi's 2-0 defeat of Siena was their ninth consecutive win, and they are currently one win away from equalling a Serie A record of 10 consecutive victories.

The recent run of form in the Italian capital cites a remarkable turnaround in fortune for the Italian coach, after his side endured a torrid start to the campaign.

Roma have since found form and are now playing with the right mentality, which has enabled them to move rapidly up the table in a short amount of time.

Spalletti is now eyeing a Champions League spot, and believes that the pressure of their rivals' expectations may work in his side's favour.

"Fiorentina have more pressure; their target isn't the Uefa Cup but the Champions League," Spalletti said.

"Due to the season they are having, it's right that they will follow this up.

"But now we will try to earn as high a place as possible. It will be hard but we will try to keep up this rhythm."

During the recent win against Parma, midfielder Simone Perrotta was one of the best players on the pitch.

The midfielder confessed that he has aspirations of earning an international call-up.

"It's an important result for Roma, for me and for the national team," Perrotta said.

"I'm working hard for all these reasons."