Roma president James Pallotta believes that his side stand every chance of ousting Barcelona from the Champions League, claiming the Serie A side “are not inferior” to the Catalans.
Barca have made a regular habit of reaching the latter stages of Europe’s premier club competition in recent years and have even won it on four occasions in the last 15 seasons.
Roma may not have such a title to their name throughout history, while they have not won Serie A since 2001, but their owner is still bullish about their chances.
“I think it was a good draw,” he said. “People tell me it’s a bit like David against Goliath, but I don’t agree: we can play against anyone.
“My players have nothing less than the Catalan ones.
“If I think with my head, I say it’s hard, but if I do it with my heart, I think we’ve got a chance of success.”
Roma beat Shakhtar Donetsk on away goals to progress through the first knockout round, while they are placed third in the Italian top flight 16 points behind leaders Juventus.
The travel to Camp Nou for the first leg of the quarter-final on Wednesday.