AS Roma goes into its Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk desperately keen to give its season positive direction after two major losses in Serie A.
On Saturday, Claudio Ranieri's side slumped to a 2-0 loss at home to a rampant Napoli, while the week before Inter Milan ran riot in a 5-3 win at the San Siro.
"Our enthusiasm is not at its best. I think you all know the problems, too," midfielder Simone Perrotta said. "We're in a situation that has been dragging on for some time.
"Now our objective is to finish in the top four to qualify for the Champions League (next season). As always, this squad will gather round the coach so we can try to continue doing well."
The club has been in talks for weeks with a potential new owner in the United States. U.S. businessman Thomas Di Benedetto is reported to be in line to buy the club, but has yet to complete the sale.
"The takeover talks aren't the problem, although I cannot deny in some situations, especially difficult ones like this, it would help to have a club behind us," Perrotta said. "I don't want to explain what type of problems they are though."
Ranieri is likely to bring at least one of Francesco Totti or Jeremy Menez back into the team for the match at Rome's Olympic Stadium.
Both strikers started the loss to Napoli on the bench, with Menez coming on at halftime and Totti in the 77th.
Philippe Mexes and Nicolas Burdisso are also likely to return to the starting lineup after missing the Napoli game through suspension. Their absence was obvious as Napoli was able to cut through the heart of Roma's defense on numerous occasions.
"The trouble is at the moment we can't seem to stay solid," Perrotta said. "Often the strikers are left on their own and have to invent something. It's a situation we have to look at carefully, because on Wednesday we have Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League."
Donetsk hasn't played a competitive game since its win against Braga on Dec. 8 sent it through to the last 16 as a group winner.
During the Ukrainian Premier League's winter break, Shakhtar played nine friendlies, winning five, and it enjoys a healthy 12-point lead in the league.
"Roma's players have a lot of experience in the Italian championship and the Champions League," Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu said. "Their attackers have great individual skill. Any of them can decide the outcome of the match.
"Our advantage is youth. In our attacking line all our guys are explosive."
Centerback Oleksandr Kucher is out with a knee injury, and Vasyl Kobin has an injured Achilles tendon, while Taras Stepanenko is doubtful with a knee injury.
Influential Brazilian playmaker Fernandinho is back in training after recovering from a broken leg and should feature in the second leg.
"I think the main thing is for us to score an away goal," said captain Dario Srna.
