The Totti Case: Roma prepares for Fiorentina showdown with doubts over future

Milan - 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 its way to being held 1-1 by Napoli on Monday.

With Juventus and Napoli duelling for the league title, Roma and Fiorentina - in third and fourth place 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.

Related: Roma icon Totti criticises Spalletti, refuses to accept bench role

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 is hoping to steer Totti towards a management or ambassador's role.

Regarded as Serie A's most generous employer, Roma has an annual wage bill of €113 million, according to figures from La Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this season, although Totti's €2.5 million per season pales in comparison with the €6.5 million 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.

"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."