Garcia: Motivation and unity needed to beat Spezia

The Giallorossi host the Ligurian outfit at the Stadio Olimpico in the last 16 on Wednesday afternoon after an energy-sapping encounter with Napoli on Sunday and another Serie A match against Genoa to contend with at the weekend before the Christmas break.

The coach hinted he would make some changes for the game against Spezia but was quick to warn against complacency.

“If they're not injured or tired they could play tomorrow,” the Giallorossi manager told Roma TV ahead of the match.

“I'll be looking at who has the most motivation and the freshest legs when it comes to naming my line-up. I want to put out the best team possible to show that we're all united and determined to progress to the next round.

“I have great belief in this squad. It's been put together with the aim of creating competition because everyone must earn the right to play for Roma.”

The Giallorossi begin their Coppa Italia quest against Serie B side Spezia – who beat Salernitana in the last 32 – knowing that victory would set up a quarter-final clash with either Genoa or Alessandria, but Garcia insists there must be no contemplating any future scenarios until the job is done.

“First of all we have to win tomorrow and then we can talk about what comes next. I don't like making predictions. For now we should be talking about nothing but this game – it's the only one that matters.

“We have to play at 14:30 which means the stadium will be even emptier. Quite honestly I don't understand how they can schedule it at such a time. It really makes no sense – it just cause problems for people who want to go to the stadium to watch the match.”

Which players won't be involved tomorrow?

“Seydou Keita definitely won't play and we're not going to risk Gervinho in this one either. Morgan De Sanctis will start in goal. Kostas Manolas rested today but he'll be in the squad, as will Lucas Digne. Francesco Totti trained with the team today. When he has a ball to work with it helps him think less about his injury. He's not 100% yet. He's getting better and hopefully we'll have him back to his best in January.”

Spezia come into this game on a decent run of form.

“Emanuele Calaiò won't be playing but we know what Nene's about. He's a very good striker. They're aiming to do well in Serie B and they're in good shape at the moment. We know all about our opponents and we absolutely must not underestimate them if we want to win."

How are the players doing after Sunday's draw with Napoli?

“The lads know they played well, especially defensively. It was a good result that keeps us not far off the top. The players were tired yesterday, a lot less so today and tomorrow they'll need to come up with the goods again to win the match and go through to the next round.

“We mustn't underestimate our opponents. They'll come here with belief and energy.

“We know the Coppa Italia is the shortest route to a trophy and tomorrow will be an important match for me and for Roma. The cup means a lot to the fans and to me too. The national cup in France was the best and the most exciting trophy I won.”