“I never liked him” – Luciano Spalletti accused of disrespecting Francesco Totti at Roma

Former Roma coach Carlo Mazzone believes Luciano Spalletti "went over the line" when it came to dealing with Francesco Totti.

Totti and Spalletti have been embroiled in an on-off row for around a year with reports suggesting that the duo had a heated argument last season.

The legendary 40-year-old has also found playing time very difficult to come by under Spalletti with Totti starting just four league matches since the start of last season.

Carlo Mazzone - who turned 80 last week - is the coach who is credited with giving Totti his first opportunity to impress at Roma and feels that Spalletti went too far in trying to impose himself as the leader of the Roma dressing room, which involved a battle with captain Totti.

The legendary manager indicated that he has never liked Spalletti or his coaching style and believes he needs to be put back into his rightful place.

Mazzone told Teleradiostereo: "Spalletti needs to take it down a few notches. I never liked him.

"He went over the line in various different situations, both in his behaviour and his decisions. I don't understand why he wanted to create some situations.

"He went over the line, especially with Francesco Totti. With Totti he hit a new record.

"He wants to be the commander, the big man in charge. I don't agree with some of this behaviour from a man who lives in the football world."