AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has quit the Italian soccer club after its poor start to the season.

"I have given my resignation and the club has accepted it," said Spalletti on Tuesday.

Roma, who lost its opening two league games, was in talks with Claudio Ranieri about taking the job, local reports said.

Former Udinese coach Spalletti was appointed in 2005 and helped Roma finish second in Serie A in 2007 and 2008, but started last season badly and ended up sixth in the league.

(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2009)