Serie A: Luciano Spalletti leaves AS Roma

Head coach Luciano Spalletti was not offered a contract extension by AS Roma, despite having finished second in Serie A this season. Roma defeated Genoa 3-2 last weekend in the last match of the season thanks to a late goal from Diego Perotti and the result secured them the presence in next season's Champions League group stage. Spalletti had started his second spell at AS Roma in January 2016 after having already been their head coach between 2005 and 2009. "We would like to thank Spalletti for his hard work and his significant contribution since his return," Roma President Jim Pallotta said. "Under his stewardship this season, the team has won more Serie A points and scored more goals than any side in Roma's history. We wish Luciano all the best for the future. This club is on a constant path of growth and that will continue with the appointment of a new coach who shares our values and philosophy and who will continue to help us take AS Roma forward." Despite his good results this season, Luciano Spalletti faced criticism over his decision to give club legend Francesco Totti less playing time than the fans might have wanted. About that, the head coach said: "I think I helped Totti to play for another season, I have taken extra care of him. Spalletti, aged 58, won the Coppa Italia twice with Roma during his first spell in charge, then he joined Russian side Zenit St Petersburg. He has won the Russian Premier League twice with Zenit and those are the only league titles that he has won during his coaching career. Former Roma player Eusebio Di Francesco is the favourite for the Roma head coach job, he is 1/8 at SkyBet to get the position.