Spalletti throws in the towel

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti all but threw in the towel to Serie A title rivals Juventus following Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Napoli.

Makeshift Napoli striker Dries Mertens hit a brace in a thrilling victory at the Stadio Olimpico which, should Juventus beat Udinese away on Sunday, would leave Roma 10 points adrift in second place.

Although the capital club still have a mathematical chance of catching the champions over the remaining 11 games, Spalletti told Sky Sport that a sixth successive title was now in the bag for Juve.

"We have to be realistic. For us it's now almost impossible to catch Juventus," he said.

Belgium midfielder Mertens was given the nod ahead of striker Arkadiusz Milik despite the Poland star's recent return from a five-month injury lay-off.