Roma host Fiorentina in Thursday's Europa League last-16 return leg desperate to put their domestic woes behind them.
The Giallorossi go into their all-Italian tie at the Stadio Olimpico having endured a disappointing spell in Serie A.
Roma have won just one and drawn eight of their last 10 league games to drop 14 points behind leaders Juventus.
Monday's 2-0 defeat to Sampdoria was Roma's first league loss at home since May 2014 and put further pressure on coach Rudi Garcia heading into Thursday's match.
``We are going through a negative spell,'' Roma playmaker Miralem Pjanic told the Italian press. ``It's a difficult time for the team and for our fans.
``But I hope that after our defeat to Sampdoria, results will come our way.
``I am certain on Thursday we will win and go through to the quarter-finals.''
A goalless result will be enough for Roma to progress to the next round after Seydou Keita netted an all-important equaliser to hand the Giallorossi a precious away goal in their 1-1 first-leg draw.
Fiorentina travel to the Italian capital in buoyant mood.
The Viola came from behind to beat AC Milan 2-1 on Monday and climb to fifth in Serie A, five points adrift of Roma.
``This win is a huge boost in confidence,'' Fiorentina winger Joaquin said. ``We showed great mental strength.
``We know the important of Thursday's game and we just have to continue to do well and take it one game at a time.''
Fiorentina, coached by former Roma striker Vincenzo Montella, are unbeaten in 10 European away encounters and have scored in all but one of those games.
The Viola beat Thursday's hosts 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico last month to progress to the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
German forward Mario Gomez, who scored both goals in that game, will not feature on Thursday as he is sidelined through injury.
Mohamed Salah, who has scored four goals in eight appearances since joining Fiorentina on loan from Chelsea in January, will partner Khouma Babacar in attack.
Roma are without suspended midfielder Radja Nainggolan but are bolstered by the return of midfielder Daniele De Rossi and captain Francesco Totti from injury.
Sevilla FC v Villarreal
Sevilla FC v Villarreal
Villarreal midfielder Jonathan dos Santos is aware his side need ``a miracle'' to reach the Europa League quarter-finals heading into Thursday's crucial match at Sevilla.
The Valencian outfit travel to the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium needing to overturn a 3-1 first-leg deficit in their all-Spanish last 16 tie to oust the title holders.
``We, just like our fans, are also thinking of achieving this miracle,'' Dos Santos told his club's official website. ``We want to give our fans some joy.
``It's going to be very difficult but not impossible.
``We will have the support of 2000 fans and we will give our all until the end. We are really motivated.''
Villarreal have won three of their five European away games this season, with all of those victories coming by margins of two goals or more.
``I'm certain we will have opportunities and the key will be to finish them off,'' Dos Santos said.
``We know they are the current champions and that we are playing away, but that will not stop us from trying.''
Villarreal head into the contest after a goalless draw at Almeria last weekend that kept Marcelino's side in sixth position in the Primera Division standings.
Sevilla have won their last six European home games but are not taking Villarreal lightly and for good reason.
Unai Emery's men almost suffered an upset in the competition last season. The Andalucian outfit lost 3-1 at Valencia in their semi-final return leg and only went through on away goals having won the opening match 2-0.
``I liked the fact that when our game at El Madrigal stadium ended, there was no euphoria in our changing room,'' Sevilla midfielder Vicente Iborra said.
``We have maximum respect for Villarreal and that has not changed.
``We want to remain unbeaten at home and play a good game in front of our fans.''
The hosts warmed up for the encounter with a 3-0 triumph at home to Elche last weekend that lifted Sevilla to fifth in the standings.
Sevilla are without suspended midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak while the visitors will not have left-back Jaume Costa available as he serves a one-match suspension.


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