Roma head coach Eusebio Di Francesco says he is unconcerned by having to overturn the club's 2-1 first-leg deficit against Shakhtar at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday.

Cengiz Under's first-half strike in Ukraine was cancelled out by Facunda Ferreyra's goal before a fantastic free-kick from Fred settled the first leg three weeks ago, leaving Shakhtar eyeing a first quarter-final spot since 2011.

But with home comforts on the Italians' side, Di Francesco urged his players to cast aside any nerves and get on the front foot in Rome.

He said: "If we thought about those things, we wouldn't even step on the pitch to play the game. I think Roma must be both light-hearted and extremely motivated entering this match. We must not be cocky but still we must have that strong desire to do damage to our opponents.

"This is not a match that we can manage, we must win, so the key to this match is being light-hearted and having an extreme determination to hurt our opponents.

"And we cannot stand and wait to get that, we are a team always trying to dominate our matches, even if we are aware that we are facing a team with great qualities and excellent ball-passing."

Team news

Roma's Gregoire Defrel may be fit to return after missing the last month with injury, but may not be risked amid an injury-hit first campaign in the Italian capital.

Defender Rick Karsdorp is still missing with a long-term injury and will not return until next month at the earliest.

Shakhtar defender Sergiy Kryvtsov, who was forced off with injury in the first leg, has not recovered in time for the game and Ivan Ordets, who replaced him in that game, could deputise.

Opta stats

• Shakhtar Donetsk have won four of their five competitive games against Roma (L1), all in the Champions League.
• More than half of the teams who lose the first leg of a Champions League knockout game away from home 2-1 end up progressing (52 per cent - 12/23).
• However, Roma have been eliminated from all four Champions League knockout ties in which they've lost the first leg (home or away).
• The Ukrainian side are aiming to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign - which they did so by beating Roma 6-2 on aggregate in the round of 16.
• Meanwhile, if Roma overturn the first leg deficit they'll reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the third time. They lost to Manchester United on both previous occasions they reached the last eight, in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

Charlie's prediction

This is perfectly balanced. Roma were my dark horses if they got the right draw because I think they've got a strong defence and I've always liked Edin Dzeko, who always seems to score big goals in big games.

I think he will again here in front of a cracking atmosphere and Roma look good value at even-money to qualify, although I can see it being a tight one.

Charlie predicts: 1-0 and Dzeko to score first (25/1 with Sky Bet)

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