The Eternal City side host the Old Lady on Saturday in a pivotal Serie A clash, and the home side will have to do without a large number of their key players.

Consequently, Spalletti had to name a host of youth players in his squad for the anticipated match.

"In tough situations you can't cry about the problems, you need to do your best and believe in yourselves," the Italian boss said.

"Victory will depend on what's in our hearts and we have a team that has shown character before.

"Turning points can arrive during difficult periods like this one and we will have at least 50,000 reasons to fight - our great fans."

Roma key players Francesco Totti, Marco Cassetti, Simone Perrotta, Cicinho, Juan, Rodrigo Taddei and Alberto Aquilani are all unfit due to injuries.

Marco Motta, David Pizarro, Souleymane Diamoutene and Daniele De Rossi will also miss out due to suspension.

All the same, Spalletti is convinced the absence of so many regulars cannot be cited as an acceptable reason to lose.

"There are no excuses. We must show the spirit we have that has served us so well over the years," he added.

"We can still finish fourth in Serie A as long as we keep daring to believe."