Need To Know: Di Francesco's key comments ahead of Crotone

Sunday's game in Crotone gets underway at 15:00 CET.

On Roma's form and fitness...

“[Diego] Perotti won't be involved tomorrow. We gave him a test but he's got a niggle so he'll sit this one out. [Alessandro] Florenzi has had a few problems too but he's ok.

“[Maxime] Gonalons will be in the starting line-up against Crotone. He wasn't on the bench for our Champions League game because I made different choices but he's been training hard and well so he's ready to start.”

On Stephan El Shaarawy...

“Stephan will start the game – he's fit and raring to show what he can do. He hasn't scored or produced any match-winning displays for a while but I'm sure he'll get back to being the player he was at the start of the season. He's determined to do well and I hope tomorrow is the day he gets his name on the score sheet once again.”

On that right-wing spot...

“I'm undecided over who to pick on the right tomorrow. I have three options: Cengiz [Under], [Patrik] Schick or Gerson. I'll sleep on it and make a decision tomorrow depending on the match and how they look.”

On the importance of the Crotone game...

“Every game is important but we're playing Crotone now. I've told my players to forget about Barcelona. It's only natural that the lads can't wait to play that match but if we want to do well in the Champions League we first have to do well against Crotone – and it's going to be difficult.

"They performed a miracle last season and they're having another good campaign this year. They were excellent against Samp and we know Crotone is a tough place to go. We must be very careful and I've told my players as much.”

On Barcelona...

“We're happy with the draw because we're proud to be in the quarter-finals. We know we'll be up against one of the best teams in the world and one of the world's best players too.

“We'll approach the tie with a positive mindset. We knew we'd have to face a tough side in the quarter-finals. It's a tie both teams are looking forward to and we'll go into it with our feet on the ground.

“However, it's all about the league right now.”