Totti: Champions League groups never easy

The Giallorossi are looking to build on last season’s unforgettable run to the semi-finals of the competition, and Totti believes Eusebio Di Francesco’s side have the ability to do that.

The director denied suggestions that the group draw had been kind on Roma, however.

“Everything is easy on paper. Last year we were supposed to finish third, instead we ended up top of the group,” he pointed out.

“I think this is a tough group. We know that Real Madrid are a side apart from the rest, and we will do everything we can to qualify.”

On the current holders of the trophy, he added: “We will see what sort of side Real are without [Cristiano] Ronaldo, even if we are still talking about incredible footballers. The club have bought a lot of players, and they will always be Real Madrid. It’s a top side and one you have to respect every time you face them.”

Totti was asked if he felt the current team could match last season’s exploits in Europe.

“To do better than last year you would have to say we need to get to the final in Madrid,” he said. “We will try to go as far as we can.

“The expectations this season are a lot higher, the squad is strong. The guys are united and the coach has big aims. We want to have our say, also out in Europe.

“It’s a competitive squad, over the off-season we have sold some players and bought a lot of others. The club have made the choices and I think people have to respect that. Players have arrived with ability and experience, others have come that are a bit younger with room to grow – but the point is all of them are strong players.”