Roma head coach Luciano Spalletti has described Francesco Totti has the “Muhammad Ali of football” after the club legend saved the day once again.
Spalletti’s side were locked at 1-1 with Serie B team Cesena in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia match after Edin Dzeko’s goal had been cancelled out by Luca Garritano.
Cue Totti’s impact: the 40-year-old forward, playing in his 25th season, kept his cool and converted a penalty in the 97th minute to set up a semi-final against rivals Lazio.
Despite his age, Totti has retained an extraordinary ability to make telling contributions when it really matters, and Spalletti believes a comparison with boxing great Ali is apt.
“When Totti plays – but it’s the same in training and even when he’s playing with his boy – he’s the Muhammad Ali of football, always looking to land that knockout blow: to swing the punch no one else can see,” he said, as reported by BBC Sport.
“If he’s on the pitch, it’s a good idea to give him the ball. The more they get him on the ball, the more they’ll get back in return – you get more back from Totti than the bank.
“He’s the one who brought the fans back into the stadium from the car park last year.”
Totti has three goals in 15 appearances this season as he continues to add to his remarkable longevity at his home-town club.
The forward has made over 600 appearances for the club since making his debut in 1992, helping to win two Coppa Italia trophies and one Serie A title.
Roma, looking to win their ninth Coppa Italia title, will play Lazio after their city rivals beat Inter Milan 2-1 to reach the final four.
Serie A leaders Juventus will play fellow giants Napoli in the other semi- final.
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