Di Francesco's pre-Atletico press conference in full

Coach Eusebio Di Francesco faced the media on Tuesday to preview his side's Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid.

The Giallorossi know a draw or better at the Estadio Metropolitano on Wednesday night will secure their place in the knockout stages of the competition.

The game in Madrid kicks off at 20:45 CET.

JOURNALIST: What have you done to motivate the players again after the derby?

DI FRANCESCO: “The lads got their approach to the derby spot on and I'm sure they'll be as ready as they can be for this one too. We're playing a team with an excellent European record and we have a good lead in the group but we mustn't settle for what we've got – we have to come away with a result tomorrow.”

How's Radja Nainggolan doing?

“He's in the squad so that means he could play.”

Could Gerson start the match tomorrow, as he did in London?

“Gerson is one of the options we have tomorrow. He's performed well on the right wing and he could do the same again tomorrow. I don't want to give anything away today. You'll see tomorrow.”

What sort of game do you think Atletico will play?

“I've watched their last few matches and they always play a very aggressive game. I expect them to be even more aggressive tomorrow. We'll have to match them in every area and try to spend as much time as possible in their half. This is a tough place to come and they're a very good side. We all have to stick together and remember that we've improved a lot.”

Will you have one eye on the game against Genoa when you pick your line-up tomorrow? This match isn't decisive for qualification after all...

“It's decisive for me. Genoa comes later. Tomorrow is decisive if we want to qualify with a game to spare and if we want to stay top of the group. Genoa don't come into my thinking at the moment. I'll pick the best team possible for this match.”

We've seen pictures on social media of the players going out for meals together and enjoying themselves. How much of an input have you had there?

“It's something we've been talking about since the start of the season. I'm very happy that they go out together – ideally just to drink water!”

What do you remember from when played against Diego Simeone in the derby as a player and in Europe against Atletico?

“Simeone has the same grit and determination as a coach that he had as a player. I remember when we came here to play Atletico the fans were very hostile. It's a tough place to come and we made some mistakes but we played well both home and away.”

Did you expect to win over the fans this quickly?

“I didn't make any plans; I've just tried to work hard and put my ideas across to the players. I don't have to try and win over the fans but the players because they in turn can get the fans on our side. It's easy to rest on your laurels in Rome but that's precisely what I don't want.”

Did you expect to be coming to Madrid for this game in such a strong position in the group? Roma are virtually through to the knockout stages. Are you going for first place?

“I didn't expect Atletico to have just three points but we've done well ourselves, especially considering that we deserved to win at Stamford Bridge. Right now our target has to be to try and seal qualification and top spot.”