Bartoli: Everyone is fully focused on the target

The Giallorosse take on the Czech side at Stadio Tre Fontane (kick-off: 14:30 CEST) looking to book their place in the group stage of this season's competition.

They lead 2-1 on aggregate after last week's first leg.

Is this the most important game you have been a part of since you joined Roma?

“I know that Tre Fontane is going to be full tomorrow, I hope the weather is good. But yes, it’s a really important game. Reaching the group stage of this competition is always a tough task but it’s vital for us. To this point, it’s the most important game.”

What targets do you set for yourselves, now you are competing in the Champions League?

“We just go out there and try to play our game. To move the ball, to impose ourselves on the contest. That’s what we want to do in Europe as well. If we were to get to the group stage of the competition, then we will make sure we enjoy ourselves and achieve the best we can.”

What is the feeling like in the changing room ahead of tomorrow’s game?

“We will try to stay calm. There has not been much time to think about it all too much. We play tomorrow, and then two days later we are playing again. There’s a bit of tension there, of course there is, but we want to make sure we are fully focused when the match kicks off.”

You are the first Roma captain, and the first to play in Europe too. What are you feelings about that?

“It’s an amazing feeling. I used to watch the Champions League, and I’ve played in it with other teams, but it’s a different feeling to play in it for the club that you love. It’s a dream that I’ve had. It’s something special, amazing, and I hope I keep getting to do so for as long as possible.”

As the captain, as a Roma fan, what does the side need to do to reach the group stage?

“The passion around the club is something you can’t miss. I see people who have not been here that long but it feels like its been years. Roma draws everyone in. We need to stay humble, to stay courageous, to stay hungry to win every game. We can only think about things game-by-game. The key word is humility; to win and to improve every day.”

If you do get to the group stage, how will you celebrate? Have there been any bets in the changing room?

“Nothing like that, we are all a bit superstitious … we haven’t thought about it. We are focused on the objective, and making sure we are as best prepared as we can be. But then, if it were to happen, I am sure we would not skimp on a big dinner…”