Roma needed a screamer from Francesco Totti to edge Catania in the first-leg of last night's Coppa Italia semifinal.

"It will be a very tough match in the second leg and we still need to earn our qualification," said Roma coach Luciano Spalletti afterwards.

Totti was on sparkling form with a great strike and is finding his fitness after a three-week lay-off with a thigh strain.

"If we let him play and regain match fitness, he always manages to turn the game.

"Still, we didn't have the right tempo in the first half and without turning it up would not have won this game. We needed more grit and physicality.

"Did I worry about motivating the players? I don't think they should need motivating for a Coppa Italia semi-final," continued Spalletti.

Walter Zenga has had mixed results since taking over Catania from Silvio Baldini and lost his first ever Coppa Italia game as a Coach.

"This is the second time we have had a strong start, then lost our way after the break," said the former Inter goalkeeper.

"We have to work on this, as it is a weakness that could prove to be important.

"I complimented Totti on his goal. I also told him goalkeepers aren't as good as they used to be!"