Ranieri expects Roma present from birthday-boy Totti

Francesco Totti will celebrate his 33rd birthday when AS Roma tackle Catania in Sicily on Sunday but his coach Claudio Ranieri is expecting him to be giving out the gifts.

Club captain Totti is a legend at Roma having played his whole career there and during the close season he signed a new five year deal that will take him past his 37th birthday.

To celebrate his 33rd, Ranieri is hoping for a goal from his star player and refuted suggestions he might need a rest.

“I’m expecting a present from him, for him and for me. And also for Roma he’s hoping to score,” said the former Chelsea and Juventus boss.

“I’m happy that he’s not tired, he’s reacting well and if we do see him tiring then we’ll think about it.

“The players who are in form are playing, it’s not a case that if you rest him you’ll maintain his form. But if ever we do have to give him a break, I hope the others will be ready.”

It is not goals that have been the problem with Roma this season but rather their defence.

They have conceded more goals than any other team including three in the midweek draw at Palermo.

“The aim is to not concede, we have to improve,” added Ranieri. “Catania are quick and slippery and are more of a team than us at the moment.

“They are compact and make life difficult. There’s always pressure but you have to shut it out to give your maximum.

“We’ll need character and intelligence. They’ll put us under pressure and we have to be ready.”