Roma's De Rossi says unbeaten Leverkusen 'not unbeatable'

Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.

While Bayer Leverkusen have been able to concentrate on Europe going into Thursday's Europa League semifinal first leg, Daniele De Rossi's Roma have had a frantic last few weeks as they scrabble to take advantage of Serie A getting an extra spot in next year's Champions League and aim for a third continental final in as many years.

Roma are undoubtedly tired after winning an Italian derby with Milan to reach the last four, a tie which was preceded by the Rome derby and followed by clashes with direct top-five rivals Bologna and Napoli, as well as their win at Udinese which had to be played over two acts after Evan Ndicka's on-pitch collapse.

Roma, despite looking fatigued, salvaged a late point at Napoli on Sunday thanks to a goal from Tammy Abraham, the England international striker's first in a year after a long knee injury lay-off.

And their next two league fixtures are with Juventus and Atalanta -- who are two points behind Roma -- making the next fortnight crucial for De Rossi, who has turned his boyhood club around since replacing Jose Mourinho in January.

"I've got players who are trying to get something from this season," said De Rossi to DAZN after the Napoli draw.

"We know it's going to be difficult.. we have to find the results we need to get into the Champions League or win the Europa League."

De Rossi will be boosted by the return of Romelu Lukaku alongside Paulo Dybala after the Belgium striker shook off a thigh problem.

Also back are Chris Smalling who missed Napoli with a groin injury and midfield lynchpin Leandro Paredes, suspended for the hard-fought draw at the weekend.

"We have to be perfect, because if they don't ever lose and have the heart to score in the final seconds so often it means that they have something special," said De Rossi.

"They're unbeaten, but they're not unbeatable."