Totti helps hand Roma intriguing Champions League draw

Roma will face Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Qarabag in the group stages of this season's Champions League.

Roma legend Francesco Totti helped complete the draw in Monaco on Thursday evening, as the Giallorossi were paired with the reigning Premier League champions, the 2014 and 2016 finalists in the competition, and Azebaijan's dominant side.

"It's a difficult group, but we were in the third pot and we knew that some big teams were waiting for us," coach Eusebio Di Francesco said.

"We have respect for every team in the group but we will do as well as we can in every game."

Totti expressed his confidence in the squad in the wake of the draw, where he also received the prestigious President's Award in celebration of his illustrious career.

"Sooner or later, we will have to face them all anyway," Totti noted. "We know that Chelsea, Atletico and Qarabag are teams to be respected, as we always did.

"[Facing Roma] could also be a negative for them, though. There are two top teams, at the highest level, but we will try to make things as difficult as possible."

Totti was joined by chief executive Umberto Gandini as the club's representatives at the draw, along with managing director Mauro Baldissoni.

"This is an important moment for the collective growth of the team and the club:we feel confident that we have made some good choices and are confident we can do well in the league and in the Champions League, where we will face two European giants," Gandini said. "Both [Chelsea and Atletico] have strong, inspirational coaches.

"This trip to Azerbaijan will be uncomfortable for everyone and not just because of the distance. We have a responsibility, to prepare for each game as well we can and look to come out on top."

With the fixtures subsequently being decided, it was decided that Roma will begin the group stage at home to Atletico Madrid, and conclude with a home match against Qarabag.

Di Francesco's side will face Chelsea in back-to-back games in the group, with the first meeting taking place in London.