Roma director Tiago Pinto does not confirm or deny their interest in Juventus defender Dean Huijsen, preferring to focus on the Coppa Italia tie with Cremonese.
You can follow all the action as it happens from that Round of 16 match on the LIVEBLOG.
As Evan Ndicka has already left for Africa Cup of Nations duty, Bryan Cristante has to drop into central defence this evening.
“This is like a Final, because that is the situation for any game in the Coppa Italia,” Tiago Pinto told Mediaset.
Nothing can be taken for granted, as Cremonese knocked Roma out in the quarter-finals last season, then also beat them in Serie A.
“We need the utmost focus to continue in the competition. What happened last season is in the past, we cannot be hampered by that kind of memory.”
It is no secret that Roma need a defender in the January transfer window and there were reports today that they are trying to intercept Juventus defender Huijsen’s loan move to Frosinone.
He would fit the bill, being a teenage centre-back available essentially free of charge.
“I always said that I wanted to bring in a centre-back, but also that we only have room for young players and that there are important financial parameters.
“My work at Roma has always been like this and I never complained, I always brought home interesting solutions. Just look at last January with Sergio Oliveira, Diego Llorente and others.
“In Portugal we say it is impossible to do things both hastily and well. I work to do what is best for Roma in the conditions that we have.”
Jose Mourinho’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, while there are also reported to be doubts over whether Tiago Pinto will continue in the role at Roma.
“This is my job, I do not complain. I am in contact every day with agents and other colleagues. This is the time to be more active, it is very stressful, but that is fine.
“As for my future, if all goes well, that means going back home after tonight’s game. I look no further ahead than that.”
Roma, Tiago Pinto "dribbla" il tema Huijsen: "Voglio un difensore, c'è posto solo per i giovani" https://t.co/OJZlQRDtF7
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