Mihajlovic calls on players to show desire against Roma

Mihajlovic acknowledges that the Giallorossi are a "stronger" side, but hopes his players can rise to the occasion at the Olimpico di Turin.

Torino currently sit 14th in Serie A, following back-to-back goalless draws with Empoli and, most recently, Pescara.

"Roma are definitely a stronger, better equipped side than we are but all matches start with the scoreline reading 0-0," Mihajlovic told reporters. 'What makes the difference is what happens on the pitch and your desire.

'It will definitely be a great game, while Roma rested players like [Radja] Nainggolan, [Daniele] De Rossi and [Diego] Perotti on Wednesday. Spalletti often makes changes up front and picks a consistent backline.

"We come into the game on the back of a disappointing display but we'll try to secure the three points. They have a superb attack with [Edin] Dzeko, [Mohamed] Salah, Perotti and even [Francesco] Totti if he plays.

"We need a win against a top side to make that step up. Now we face Roma at home, then Fiorentina. Let's hope we win them both."

With a number of ex-Roma players within the Torino side, Mihajlovic hopes his team play with the right intensity.

"I expect something special from everyone, I expect a great game," he said. "These are the sort of matches everyone wants to play. They could cause us problems but we'll try to do likewise.

"We want to go out there to win. If Iago Falque and [Leandro] Castan are more motivated as ex-Roma players that's great but I don't think we need more reason to perform well tomorrow.

"[Adem] Ljajic will start on the bench but I don't want to risk him. He was our big coup this summer but we've barely seen him, so I don't want to rush him back."