Totti targeting second place

– Retirement-bound Francesco Totti (above) said he remains focused on helping Roma secure a toptwo finish despite the prospect of watching from the bench when they bid to stop Juventus securing the Serie A title tomorrow.

Totti, 40, ended months of speculation over his future by confirming this week he is ready to work alongside sporting director Monchi when he hangs up his boots at the end of the month.

After a career spent entirely with Roma, Totti will be given a farewell befitting royalty when they host Genoa on his swansong on May 28.

Despite a decidedly underwhelming end to a storied career that has been overshadowed by sporadic, cameo appearances from the bench and disagreements with club officials, Totti says he remains committed to the cause.

“We have Juventus against Roma on Sunday, that’s all I’m thinking about because we want to fight all the way to the end in this championship,” said Totti.

“There will be plenty of time to talk (about me) afterwards.”

With a seven-point lead on Luciano Spalletti’s hosts and three games remaining, Juventus need just a point at the Stadio Olimpico to secure a record sixth consecutive scudetto.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men face Lazio in the Italian Cup final on May 17 before focusing on Real Madrid in the Champions League final on June 3. As Juve, Roma and Napoli look ahead to Europe’s premier club competition, AC Milan and Inter Milan face another underwhelming end to the season. But the pressure is firmly on Inter, who sacked coach Stefano Pioli in midweek amid a seven-game winless run. – AFP