Dzeko: People say we are a great side - tomorrow we can prove it

Edin Dzeko acknowledges Roma face a huge challenge if they are to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Europa League - but knows from experience that in football anything is possible.

Dzeko, the top scorer in the competition this season, concedes that his team have left themselves it all to do against Olympique Lyon - but believes they a big performance will ensure they live up to some of the praise they have received this season.

Roma are 4-2 down on aggregate after last week's first leg, meaning they need a 2-0 or 3-1 win at the Stadio Olimpico to send them through to the next round.

“In my eyes tomorrow is going to be every harder than the first leg, because we need to score at least two goals to qualify for the next round," Dzeko said.

"Everyone says that we’re a great side and I believe that too - but tomorrow is the perfect match for us to prove it.”

How are you going to tackle Lyon and deal with their system?

“We need to play like we did in the first half of the away leg, when we scored twice and had more chances on top of that. Their first goal came from a mistake after a free-kick from the wing – we need to be more concentrated in those situations.

"Lyon played very aggressively in the second half and we didn’t. That’s what we need to do – we need to keep that bite to our game from start to finish if we’re going to go through.”

Did you watch Barcelona v PSG? It was the kind of match that shows that nothing is impossible…

“Of course. Anything’s possible and I haven’t changed my mind on account of that game. When I was at [Manchester] City, we won the club’s first league title in 40 years in the last four minutes of the last game. We were 2-1 down in the first minute of added time against QPR, but we pulled it back to 2-2 and then [Sergio] Aguero scored to make it 3-2 and win the title. That’s football – everything is possible. I’ve always believed that.”

This could be your best-ever season on a personal level – would it be a shame not to cap it with some silverware?

“It’s not my best season yet – we still have two months left to play. I think I can get better, as can the whole team. We all need to give that little bit more tomorrow, then we’ll see.”

Have you added an edge to your game like the coach wanted?

“Maybe not quite as much of an edge as the boss wants. I’ve always had confidence in myself, even last season when I didn’t have the easiest first year in Italy. As I’ve always said, I want to look to the future rather than focusing on the past. Right now I want to play even better and help the team because they need me. I’d love to produce a big performance for my team tomorrow.”

The fans from the Curva Sud have said that they’re not coming tomorrow, but the Stadio Olimpico is rarely busy these days. Given the season you’re having, do you think Roma deserve a full house?

“All I can say is that it’s always better for a team to have a full stadium because we need the fans. In Lyon, the stadium was packed out and the fans were right behind the team. I hope something changes in the future because this team needs the fans by its side.”