Roma have drawn Shakhtar Donetsk in the knockout stages of the Champions League. The Giallorossi, whose name didn’t appear until the bitter end, had a 66% chance to draw either Bayern or Real Madrid as the draw progressed, however, they escaped and drew the Ukranian side, who they haven’t faced since being drubbed by Shakhtar 6-2 on aggregate in 2011.
Speaking after the draw, Roma director Francesco Totti commented on the Giallorossi’s match-up to SportMediaset:
Rome are strong, but Shakthar should not be underestimated.
For the options that were there, it (the draw) went well. You cannot underestimate them because they are strong technically and physically, they play very well at home. It will be an open match.
For them, the league stops. Is that an advantage?
Yes, a small advantage. From here to February, many things can happen, we’ll think about the league then in February we will think about qualification, which is important for us.
Di Francesco has brought harmony.
Yes, there is a lot of harmony because we’ve gotten results, with the desire to do well. The manager is dedicated 360 degrees to ensure that Roma are at the top in the standings. We hope this continues until the end of the season.
Did he surprise you?
Not at all, he’s impressed me a lot and will continue to improve.
How are you in the new role?
The team has given me harmony. When everything’s OK, everything is fine for us executives, too. Monchi helps me, the manager is close to me. The staff makes me feel comfortable.
