AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti described Egypt forward Mohamed Salah as "fast and poisonous in attack" as the team prepare for a two-legged Italian Cup Semi-final clash against Rome rivals Lazio.

Salah is enjoying a fine run in his second season with the Giallorossi, scoring nine goals and dishing out seven assists in 19 Serie A games so far this term.

He has formed a potent three-man frontline along with Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko and Norwegian versatile midfielder Radja Nainggolan.

"Because of the different qualities the three have, they can be a powerful force," Spalletti told a news conference ahead of Wednesday's first-leg clash against Lazio.

"One is physical, technical, the other is fast and lightweight but poisonous in attack and the third is a player who knows how to do everything you ask him to do."

Salah last scored when Roma crushed Torino 4-1 in the Serie A on 19 February.

The team are second in the table with 59 points, seven behind leaders and favourites Juventus.

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