Roma shootout hero Svilar thanks boss De Rossi

Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar thanked manager Daniele De Rossi following the Italian giants' dramatic penalty shootout victory over Feyenoord.

Santiago Gimenez's early opener for the Dutch visitors was cancelled out by Lorenzo Pellegrini's strike leaving the Europa League knockout round play-off tied at 2-2.

With the contest decided on spot-kicks, Serbian international stopper Svilar saved efforts from David Hancko and Alireza Jahanbakhsh to send the hosts through 4-2 on penalties.

Svilar, 24, told Sky Sport Italia: "I thank the coach for giving me and my family this unforgettable moment.

"This is very, very important. The faith transforms into a performance on the field, it makes me feel more confident.

"It's incredible. I am speechless. I worked all my life for this moment, in this stadium.

"Mamma mia. Every time I step in here, it feels even more special, it's crazy."

Svilar has played every minute of Roma's run to the last 16, keeping clean sheets in three of the Giallorossi's group stage games.

After knocking out Feyenoord, the Anderlecht academy graduate was pleased he prepared for the chance of a shootout.

He added: "I watched the videos with my goalkeeping coach but then I also decided where I would go. I guessed right three times out of five.

"In these moments, I do not feel pressure. I saved two, I could've saved a third but we won and that is the most important thing.

"Tonight, nobody can wipe this smile off our faces but from tomorrow we get back to work for the next match."

De Rossi's men will discover their last-16 opponents in tomorrow's draw before hosting Torino in their next Serie A fixture on Monday night.