Perotti: I want to keep this scoring run going

The Giallorossi head to the Estadio Metropolitano knowing that a positive result will send them through to the next round of the competition - likely at the expense of Atletico, who know they cannot afford any mistakes if they still want to reach the last-16.

Perotti, who faced Atletico a number of times during his spell at Sevilla, knows the game will be far from straightforward.

Read everything he had to say ahead of the match.

JOURNALIST: You've scored four in your last five games now. What's behind this recent rush of goals?

PEROTTI: “I'm glad I'm scoring a bit more regularly now. I haven't scored a lot during my career so I'm enjoying it. However, the main thing is helping the team to win – whether it's me or someone else sticking them away doesn't really matter. I must say I do like scoring, though!”

Roma's wingers seem to be playing a bit differently this season.

“I feel I'm more of an all-round player now. I used to stay too wide and always receive the ball on the touchline. Now I come inside to collect it between the lines and I try to run at the centre backs more often than the full-back. Playing close to the centre forward makes it easier for me to score and set others up too.”

Where did you get your penalty technique from?

“I've taken them that way since I was at Sevilla. I practised them a lot and over time I perfected the technique. I didn't copy any other players. It started 10 years ago when I was taking them against a goalkeeper who was my friend of mine and he gave me some advice.”

How do you rate Atletico Madrid's chances of going through?

“We know what Atletico are capable of. They've played in Champions League finals and won La Liga in recent years. We also know that Simeone is very good at motivating his players so it's going to be very hard. We have a good chance of qualifying because we only need a draw but I know how tough it is to play at Atletico.”

How are you expecting Atletico to play tomorrow? Do you think the draw in the reverse fixture changed things?

“We're expecting a very aggressive side who will want to win at all costs in front of their fans. They have pacy players who are dangerous on the break and a coach who will make sure they're up for it. Perhaps the draw at the Olimpico was the turning point in this group. They had the better chances that day.

"If Saul had scored at the death it would have changed the complexion of the group because we'd have started with a defeat. Everyone expected Atletico to beat Qarabag – and that's what made the difference – but it's going to be very difficult tomorrow.”

Are you more surprised by the fact that Atletico are yet to win in the group or that [Antoine] Griezmann has gone eight games without scoring?

“You get bad spells in football. It happens to all teams, even Real Madrid and Juventus. Atletico have been performing at a very high level for years now so it is a bit surprising but it can happen, both on an individual and a team level. Griezmann is one of the best strikers in the world. I remember the potential he showed at Real Sociedad. I hope he finds his form again soon – just not tomorrow.”

There's talk of you signing a new contract. Would you like to stay at Roma for the long haul?

“I've been made to feel important here from the moment I set foot in Trigoria. I made my debut two days after joining and that made such a difference to me. I've always tried to do my best and I think a new contract would be reward for that. I'm happy to stay at Roma. My family are happy and, yes, I'd like to stay here for the long haul.”