The Roma legend discussed the Giallorossi’s impressive start, the importance of Manu Koné and the partnership between Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala.
Francesco Totti has praised Roma’s start to the new Serie A season while urging supporters not to get carried away so early in the campaign.
Speaking to Sky Sport, the former Giallorossi captain discussed Roma’s title prospects, the importance of keeping Manu Koné and the developing partnership between Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala.
Totti on Roma’s Serie A Ambitions
Asked whether Roma can dream of competing for the Scudetto, Totti refused to make any bold predictions—but acknowledged that Gian Piero Gasperini’s team have started positively.
“As a supporter, I won’t answer, but Roma have started on the right foot,” Totti said. “We’re only at the beginning, the transfer window has just closed and now the real championship begins.
“I hope Roma can have a great race alongside Inter, Napoli and Juventus. Those are the teams that can fight until the end. Based on how Roma have started, there is a possibility—but let’s not say anything.”
Roma have opened the season with consecutive 4-0 victories, including an emphatic win over Lecce at the Via del Mare.
Totti Praises Koné and Roma’s Core
Totti also emphasized the importance of Roma retaining Manu Koné and keeping the core of the squad together.
“It’s extremely important,” he explained. “When you are fortunate enough to have a coach who wants you, there is trust and a desire to prove yourself and perform well.
“Both Gasperini and the players who stayed wanted to follow the same path, so everything becomes easier. We had a fantastic group. We would spend time together even after training.
“We had one objective: to achieve a unique result. And we managed to accomplish it.”
Roma rejected Chelsea’s approach for Koné during the final hours of the transfer window, with Gasperini considering the French midfielder fundamental to his plans.
Totti Compares Malen and Dybala to Batistuta Partnership
Totti was then asked whether Malen and Dybala could become a partnership comparable to the one he formed with Gabriel Batistuta.
“In Rome, it’s easy to be lifted to the stars, but it’s also easy to be brought back down,” Totti said. “They’re a strong partnership and they’re demonstrating their quality. They are two extraordinary players.
“If they continue like this, the supporters can change their photographs: they can remove me and Batistuta and keep Malen and Dybala,” he joked.
“Although Malen doesn’t have Batistuta’s hair, while Dybala is similar to me. That comparison works,” Totti added with a laugh.
Malen has scored five goals across Roma’s opening two matches and was subsequently selected in the Serie A Team of the Year at the Gran Galà del Calcio in Milan.
Totti Reflects on Lionel Messi’s International Retirement
Totti also commented on Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football with Argentina.
“There is always a beginning and an end, but when an extraterrestrial leaves, it is a particular moment,” Totti said.
“He did something incredible at the World Cup. His gift makes him different from everybody else. He can play for as long as he wants—it is always a pleasure to watch him. He is an icon of football.”
Dybala also recently published an emotional tribute to Messi, thanking his former international captain for inspiring him and helping Argentina realize their greatest dream.
Totti on Jovetić and Fiorentina
Totti revealed that he also spoke with former Fiorentina and Manchester City forward Stevan Jovetić.
“Jovetić and I spoke about football, but also about things away from football,” he said. “It was a pleasure. He is a great person and a great player.
“I think he could still play in Italy. I told him that he would make a good impression if any team decided to sign him.”
Totti also discussed Fiorentina’s centenary celebrations and the passion surrounding the club.
“Not everybody gets to play, so we’re fortunate to be here and we’re enjoying it,” he said. “Florence is an important football city that, like Rome, has always supported the shirt. I know the love the supporters transmit to the players.”
Asked to select his favorite goal against Fiorentina, Totti replied: “You’ve caught me a little unprepared. It was my 200th or 201st goal in Serie A—I can’t remember exactly which one. It was certainly an important goal.”
Source: Sky Sport
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