Roma v Fiorentina: Garcia focusing on Europa challenge after domestic woe

Roma host Fiorentina in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, with the two sides experiencing contrasting fortunes in recent times.

Rudi Garcia’s Roma have been in second place in Serie A for much of the season, but a run of just one win – and eight draws – in their last 10 matches have seen Juventus pull 14 points clear at the top.

Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Sampdoria – their first at home in the league since May 2014 – was a further blow, but Garcia’s men at least head into Thursday’s clash at the Stadio Olimpico with a slender advantage in this tie following a 1-1 draw in Florence last week.

Josip Ilicic opened the scoring for Fiorentina on that occasion but, after Neto saved Adem Ljajic’s penalty, Seydou Keita netted an all-important equaliser for Roma.

Keita was sent off against Samp on Monday for sarcastically applauding the referee, but his suspension does not affect his availability for Thursday.

“We need to look forward, get over this defeat and try to go through against Fiorentina on Thursday – also because we’ll be playing at home,” Garcia said following the loss to Samp.

“Of course you expect a lot from talented players, and we’ve got talented players. They’re the guys who win games for you when the chances present themselves.

“Am I worried that Lazio are just a point behind us [in the league]? For now our only concern is beating Fiorentina and getting through to the next round. We’ll think about Serie A again after this Europa League match.”

Roma’s opponents, meanwhile, have lost just once in their past 10 league outings, and have climbed to within five points of Garcia’s side.

Monday saw them come from behind to defeat Milan 2-1 at home, thanks to goals in the final seven minutes from Gonzalo Rodriguez and Joaquin.

“It’s a great moment and I’m really happy for the team,” Joaquin told Sky Sport Italia.

“We’re still some way off third place so we just need to take things one game at a time.

“We have a massive one coming up on Thursday and tonight’s win will fill us with energy and enthusiasm for our Europa League match.”

Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan is suspended for the game, while Maicon (thigh) and Victor Ibarbo (calf) are doubtful.

The visitors have fitness concerns over goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu (back) and defender Stefan Savic (thigh) while striker Mario Gomez (ankle) is unlikely to feature.

A 0-0 draw will see Roma progress to the quarter-finals via the away goals rule, but Fiorentina will take heart from a 2-0 win in the Stadio Olimpico in the Coppa Italia last month.