Need to Know: Di Francesco's key comments ahead of Genoa

Wednesday's game at the Stadio Olimpico gets underway at 20:45 CEST.

Here are the main talking points from the boss's press conference...

On the Liverpool tie being a potential distraction...

“We need to keep our focus on Genoa. It will be a tricky match against a team that have let in very few goals since Ballardini took the reins. They are a very grounded and solid team, who are good at hitting you on the counter. We can’t allow ourselves to let our minds drift elsewhere. I will make some changes but that doesn’t mean we'll be underestimating our opponents. On the contrary, we will be bringing on fresh legs to help us win.”

On who might start...

“I won’t talk about the line-up we’ll go with but they are two players who may figure for us in the match. El Shaarawy has been able to train with great consistency. Cengiz has only been back for a short time but the playing time he had against Barcelona and Lazio will have helped give him some continuity.

"Gonalons has shown that he has some great qualities to his game. He’s made some mistakes which stood out more than those of his team-mates but as a footballer he’s got what it takes, you only need to look at the Chelsea game. We need to help him and support him with the fans. Everyone makes mistakes. Maxime sets a great example in the way he trains, and I hope he will be able to show his quality to everyone.”

On relying on Edin Dzeko...

"Dzeko has had so little rest because in my opinion he is fundamental to the team’s success in every way. He will play again tomorrow, to show everyone how important it is to us that we stay determined and win.”

On the squad depth...

“It’s a combination of things, the squad is important but so are the mental aspects and getting in the habit of it. We need to be quick and alert in order to make the most of the situation we’re in and be aware that every game is important.

"I can see in their eyes that the lads are up for it. I can see that the players are ready to pitch in and work for the team. Then it’s up to me to make the decisions and hope that the results on the pitch are what I expect them to be.”

On Schick's current form and fitness...

“Patrik has had a bit of a difficult start to his time with us, but he’s really grown over that period. Against Lazio he didn’t manage to put in the performance we know he’s capable of, like the one against Barcelona, but he’s constantly growing, both in behaviour and outlook. He’ll show the world how good he can be soon enough. He needs a goal, I’m sure that once he gets over that hurdle he’ll make us all very happy in no time. “

On the derby disappointment after beating Barcelona...

“I don’t think we went into the derby as though it were a walk in the park, though maybe people on the outside might have thought so. Lazio came out angry in the derby, and they showed what a good team they are. It was far from an easy match, and we were slower to the ball. We need to look back at the Barca game as an example, as a key moment in our growth as a team.”

On other fitness concerns...

“Diego Perotti is a big doubt, we will have a look at him today but it’s more likely for him to be back against SPAL. Manolas is doing better, we’ll see how he is today too. On Sunday he wasn’t 100 per cent, nor was Florenzi.”