Totti: We won't underestimate Shakhtar

With reigning champions Real Madrid one of six possible opponents for the Giallorossi, in the end it came down to either Shakhtar or Bayern Munich - with the Ukrainian champions being pulled out of the hat at the draw in Nyon.

The two legs will take place in February and March.

“We have to say that, given who was left available to us, at the end it went reasonably well for us," Totti said. "But we won’t underestimate Shakhtar in any way: they are a strong side physically and technically. Especially at home they are very formidable.

"It will be a difficult tie and, as we always know, the further you go in the competition the harder the tests are.”

In Ukraine the championship will be over by the time the tie comes around in February: Is this an advantage?

“It could be a small advantage for us, but from here to February a lot of things can happen. We have three months to get ready for the games, but for now we are focusing on the league and then in February we will focus on two very important matches."

Where are Roma going: with Eusebio Di Francesco it feels like there is more team spirit in the dressing room?

“Especially at the moment there is a great spirit among the group, they have got the results and have done well so far. The boss is focused on the job in every aspect, he is doing everything in his power to help Roma climb higher up the table. We are enjoying a good spell at the moment and we want to continue to be in the hunt until the end of the season – although we know it’s not that simple.”

Has Di Francesco surprised you?

“I didn’t really know his style and methods as a coach, but obviously I knew him well as a person. As a coach he has surprised me a lot and I think he can still get even better.”

As objectives, is the Champions League at the same level as Serie A?

“I will be completely honest, for us the championship is more important and is the main objective. But when it comes to the Champions League we know we will come up against big sides and strong sides, but we must not hide from that challenge. Football is great because of this: there are always surprises and we want to make life difficult for all the teams we come up against.”

Do you feel more settled now in your role as a director?

“I feel close to the squad, when they are doing well I feel good as one of the directors. I am learning in this role: I have Monchi next to me who offers me a lot of help, I know the coach well, and there is a great group of staff around us who I feel comfortable with and have helped the change be as good as possible.”

How can you best serve this Roma?

“At the moment, it’s not easy to find the little detals that can improve us: but we are being calm, speaking with the coach and Monchi and trying to find the best solutions for the end of the year. We want to try and make the squad even more competitive.