Gent our opponents in Europa League

The Giallorossi will host Gent at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg on Thursday 20 February, with both sides travelling to Belgium for the second leg a week later.

The two sides have only met once before, in the qualifying rounds of the same competition back in 2009.

On that occasion the Giallorossi won both games, 3-1 at home and 7-1 away.

“Every side in the draw is good and we were ready to face anyone,” said Manolo Zubiria, chief global sporting officer, at the draw in Nyon.

“We want to go far in this competition and we will be ready for these two games against Gent.”

Gent reached this stage of the competition after winning Group I, finishing unbeaten in a group that also included Wolfsburg, Saint-Etienne and Oleksandriya.

Elsewhere, Inter Milan were drawn to face Ludogorets - while Manchester United face Club Brugge.

“Gent are a good side, they are third in the league and won a tough group that included sides like Wolfsburg and Saint-Etienne,” added coach Paulo Fonseca.

“We have two tough games ahead of us, which we will undoubtedly take on with the courage and ambitious of a side that wants to progress.”