Di Francesco: Why shouldn't we look to reach the final now?

The Giallorossi won 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico to clinch victory on away goals - after losing the first leg at the Camp Nou 4-1.

Here's what the boss had to say on an incredible night for the club...

You've written a wonderful page of history tonight. Is the team celebrating?

“I think it's only right the lads should celebrate in the dressing room because we really did believe we could pull it off. I congratulated each and every one of them but I also told them that from tomorrow it's all about the derby. The good thing about this team is we always look forward, not backwards. We've achieved a massive result and we'll enjoy it but we need to keep going and aim for more.”

You went with a new formation tonight. How much of this victory was down to the coach?

“I'm happy for the lads but it wasn't the formation: the difference was in our mindset and aggressive approach. We decided to go with three forwards close together because it meant they had less width and we could get at them more. I'm very happy with the new formation but I'm more interested in the way the team plays. We must take strength from this.”

Do results like this help take the team to the next level?

“You must always aim higher, but we'd produced some great performances in the league too. We're reaping the rewards for all the hard work we've put in. I'm the coach so I'll take the praise just as I take the criticism but I want to look forward. Why shouldn't we believe we can reach the final? That has to be our target. I don't want to stop here.”

How important was Patrik Schick in winning back possession in midfield?

“I think Patrik is a fantastic player. He was closer to [Edin] Dzeko with the system we used tonight and that helped him. When you bring him inside you see his qualities. He was a real threat and almost scored. I'm delighted for him and with the excellent shift he put in for the team."

It looked like Dzeko was going to take the penalty but then Daniele De Rossi stepped up...

“Our penalty takers were De Rossi and [Radja] Nainggolan. Daniele has more experience in taking penalties. They did what they had to do.”

Will you celebrate tonight?

“You need to maintain an air of professionalism with the players. I'll celebrate it with my kids, quietly at home with my family, and then we'll move on. There's always something better to celebrate.”