Serie A / Michael Lintorn / 16 December 2011 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

Michael Lintorn is wondering whether a player exodus could see the fall of Roma...

In troubled times in the Italian capital, Roma players must find it heartening to know that they can always rely on their captain, the club's ultimate icon to, umm, kick up an almighty fuss and ensure that everything is all about him.

It could be that Francesco Totti is adopting an inspired diversionary tactic to ease the pressure on his struggling rookie coach Luis Enrique, however given his past form for hissy fits and rocking the boat at a time when it is already going under, it seems unlikely.

The latest development in a miserable season for the Giallorossi came after a rare positive result, a 1-1 draw against leaders Juventus. The match saw Totti start for the first time in nine games and his main contribution was failing to convert a penalty that would have earned his side all three points.

It appears that not all of his adoring public were willing to let it slide, with a group of supporters alleged to have abused the 35-year-old in a street in his city, prompting an overreaction that would probably be described as extraordinary had it come from anyone else.

He said: "If someone thinks I'm the problem, then I can step aside. I am not referring to the coach, the club or teammates, but rather to a few fans."

Totti may reflect that his words had the desired effect, eliciting a swift reply from sporting director Walter Sabatini assuring Il Capitano that "he is Roma, and we want him to stay with us for life", a barely necessary reminder of who holds all the power.

It won't stop those who remain loyal to Totti from panicking that they will lose their two hometown heroes in 2012 though, with Daniele De Rossi yet to agree an extension to his soon-to-expire deal, and Manchesters City and United thought to be tracking developments.

Both are still on course to outlast Enrique, as despite possessing a squad which looks strong enough to do what Udinese and neighbours Lazio are doing and fight for a top-three spot [[10.0]]. Internal disputes and difficulties adapting to Enrique's unique approach instead see them slumped in tenth.

Patience is wearing thin and if the Spanish tactician is to have any chance of winning his critics over, he needs a high-profile victory. Roma have won just one of eight clashes with teams above them, losing five, and visit Napoli for the Derby del Sole on Sunday night.

It promises to be a pivotal moment: triumph at [4.8] and they will be level on points with the fifth-placed Champions League knockout round participants, suffer another defeat and even qualifying for the Europa League will look a challenge.