The Eternal City giants yesterday appointed their former striker Montella to replace Claudio Ranieri, who resigned following Sunday's 4-3 defeat at Genoa.

The outcome marked Roma's third consecutive league defeat and left the club in eighth place, nine points behind fourth-placed Lazio.

"I think the team's main problem is above all a mental block," said Montella, who was unveiled to the media today. "The players are sensitive and they are carrying inside them this big weight.

"They need to free themselves from this burden and this is the first step we need to take so that they can play at their true potential."

Under Ranieri, Roma finished second last season in Serie A .

They made a solid start this term and remain alive in the Coppa Italia and the Champions League.

Roma have suffered a dip in form off late and their last win dates back to January 22 when they hammered Cagliari 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Their poor run since then has distanced the Giallorossi away from their aim of a top-four finish this season.

"I have spoken to Ranieri," added Montella.

"He has given me some advice and I respect him as coach.

"I have accepted this role with enthusiasm and I have the great fortune to coach Roma and to train great players.

"This is not a good time but I am counting on the players' will to bounce back.

"I will talk to some of them.

"But we are all professional and all the players have to accept my team selections with calmness and professionalism."

Montella, who at 36 has become the youngest coach in Serie A this season, does not think his lack of experience will be a disadvantage.

"This was not my idea but I have accepted this role with calmness," he said. "My aim is to do well until the end of the season, when my contract expires.

"I will bring out my best to help the team but the future does not interest me.

"I'm just concentrating on the task at hand."

Roma travel to Bologna tomorrow before hosting Parma this weekend.