Di Francesco promises Olimpico response from players

Both sides can qualify for the last-16 of the competition with a victory at the Stadio Olimpico, in a game that gets underway at 21:00 local time.

Read what Di Francesco had to say ahead of the match.

What were Roma lacking at Udinese?

"We didn’t show enough determination, which is not something you can go and buy at the supermarket. We lacked desire to win and hunger in both defence and attack. We’d prepared for the game and I saw it as the most important match we had. Losing was enormously annoying."

How are the injured players?

"[Lorenzo] Pellegrini won’t be available for Real or Inter. [Robin] Olsen had a final fitness test today but the medical tests we did this morning look good."

Roma got into the Udinese box 19 times without scoring. How can you put that right?

"It’s another of the many statistics that are seen in a negative light when you lose. We need to get more from our presence in the penalty area. We need to work on the mentality of the players and on our play. We’re lucky that we have a big game right away so that we can put ourselves out there and show that we’re not the team you saw at Udinese."

How important a match is this for your future?

"Let’s talk about the team, not me. I’ve always felt the confidence of the club. Football is football: the result tomorrow is obviously important because we want to try to finish top of the group. We are in a good position in the Champions League group and we can turn that into an excellent position with tomorrow’s match."

Will Kostas Manolas play tomorrow?

"He’ll have a final fitness test today. If he’s OK, he’ll be involved in the game."

Can you coach hunger?

"I’m the same coach that has always encouraged the team to press and play in the opposition’s half. As coach, I also need to do more. I check my conscience every day."

Real have changed coaches since the last game. Have you noticed any tactical modifications?

"I think they’re very similar to the team we saw in the first game, in terms of their movement and the characteristics of the players. I don’t see any big differences, but there will be on a psychological level. They were in great form going into the first game, while we were still finding out feet. The match comes in a different time for both teams."

Is there a risk that a negative atmosphere might build around the team after Udinese?

"Let’s focus on tomorrow’s match first. We need to send positive messages. We need great determination and to give more. Starting with myself, we need to double our efforts in terms of concentration and preparation. When things get difficult, you have to find that extra gear. We’ve done that lots of times but I’ve always asked for more consistency from the team – that’s one thing we lack."

Could you revert to a three-man midfield tomorrow?

"I don’t want to speak about the team to avoid giving away an advantage. I’ve not decided anything yet, not even the playing system. You have to think things over before games like this and I’ll do that today. All of the players have a chance of playing. We’ll see how the last training session goes. There could be some surprises tomorrow.

"Every time we have an international break we slip up – there’s too much evidence to ignore that. The lads’ confidence disappears when they can’t keep working with continuity. The team has changed from the start of the season and the young players have grown, but you have to expect highs and lows from them – it’s part of the process."

What did you make of Justin Kluivert’s reaction to being taken off?

"I didn’t see it. It’s new to me. He seemed calm. I’ll re-watch it."

The fans are angry but they’re not giving up on you – there’ll be 65,000 in tomorrow. Can you make them any promises for tomorrow’s game?

"We will give everything for the shirt and for all the fans at the stadium – that’s how it always has to be. Roma have done big things in the Champions League and it’s normal that they’re angry. I’m not happy either – I can’t be – but I hope to be happier after tomorrow’s game. That’s what the fans must demand tomorrow: effort and professionalism. That must be part of our way of being."

The first game was Real’s best night under Julen Lopetegui. Were you expecting them to collapse like they have? Is it an advantage or a disadvantage to play them after such a big defeat?

"We lost too, so there’s no advantage. It’s a one-off match for both teams. We’re up against the European champions, let’s not forget. They’re no small team. We’ll need to produce a great performance across the board to get three points against Real. I’ve not thought about their situation – I have enough to think about here instead of worrying about Real Madrid."