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Uncertainty over the futures of Francesco Totti and coach Luciano Spalletti is hanging over Roma ahead of a clash with Fiorentina on Friday that is key for both clubs’ chances of Champions League qualification.

“It won’t be decisive, but it’s a six-pointer,” Fiorentina coach Paulo Sousa said after his side hit the woodwork twice on their way to being held 1-1 by Napoli on Monday.

With Juventus and Napoli dueling for the league title, Roma and Fiorentina — in third and fourth places and both eight points off the pace — are among four teams hoping to clinch the third Champions League qualifying spot.

But Roma’s campaign is being hindered by events off the field.

Under Spalletti, who began his second spell at the club when he replaced Frenchman Rudi Garcia two months ago, the Giallorossi won six consecutive games for the first time this season.

Yet the ‘Totti Case’ (Il Caso Totti) — as the Italian media are labelling the ongoing affair surrounding Roma’s iconic captain — has gained momentum this week following the visit of USA-based club president James Pallotta.

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One-club man Totti, who is in his 23rd season with Roma, has been mainly surplus to requirements in what has been an injury-hit season but is said to be angling for an extra year’s deal.

So far, Pallotta has been coy although reports suggest the American — understandably, if one considers Roma’s huge wage bill — is hoping to steer Totti towards a management or ambassador’s role.

Regarded as Serie A’s most generous employers, Roma have an annual wage bill of 113m euros, according to figures from a league table in Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this season, although Totti’s 2.5m per season pales in comparison with the 6.5m earned by fellow teammate Daniele De Rossi, the league’s highest earner.

Although Spalletti copped huge criticism for a recent spat with Totti after the veteran complained in an interview he should be playing more, the 56-year-old could have the last laugh.

Spalletti hinted last week he would only remain with the club if Pallotta gave him the funds to build a side capable of realistically challenging the four-year domination of Juventus.

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“If I stay at Roma, I want to have the possibility of being able to fight for the scudetto: I’ve already finished runner up in the past a few times,” said the Italian.

He added a caveat, saying: “Although, against the Juventus of recent seasons, there’s not much you can do.”

While Napoli, at three points behind Juventus, are expected to come closest to dethroning the Turin giants this May, the fight for third spot resumes in earnest on Friday.

For many, Fiorentina’s impressive brand of total football under Sousa is worthy of a place at Europe’s top table next season.

Despite Roma’s recent purple patch, Fiorentina and their “proud” coach certainly won’t be considered the underdogs when they head to the capital on Friday, when Totti is expected to start on the bench.

“We’ve never hidden the extent of our ambitions, we can compete with the best teams in this league, even the ones fighting for the title,” added Sousa.

“The lads’ attitude makes me proud. They always want to improve themselves and play at the highest level. Even fans of other teams have acknowledged the quality of Fiorentina’s game, and that really satisfies me.”