Roberto De Zerbi says he has nothing to prove to an Italian audience as he heads to Rome.

The Albion head coach is preparing his side to face AS Roma in the last 16 of the Europa League.

They head to Italy this afternoon and will have an early evening training session at the Stadio Olimpico.

It will be De Zerbi’s first game on an Italian touchline since his Shakhtar side lost 2-0 to Inter in the San Siro in October, 2021.

De Zerbi’s progress is being watched back home and he goes up against old friend Daniele De Rossi in the Italian capital.

The Seagulls boss said: “I have to show every day for myself and for my players, not for other people.

“I am proud to work in the UK with these players.

“I know very well the human level of my players and I know very well they will react in the best way on Thursday.”

De Zerbi did not lose in any of his last three games against Roma when he was in charge at Sassuolo, a run which included a 0-0 draw in the capital.

In total he has one win in eight meetings with Roma as a coach.

He also played twice against them in the Champions League when he was with Cluj.