Brighton's Europa League last-16 clash with Roma has generated plenty of excitement on the South Coast.

In their maiden European campaign, the Seagulls could hardly have been pitted against a more reputable opponent.

The Giallorossi — given their status and pedigree — will expect to progress.

But Brighton are capable of some scintillating attacking football despite seeing their squad ravaged by an injury crisis.

Ahead of tonight's first leg at the Stadio Olimpico, we assess how Roberto De Zerbi's side can get a result in Rome.

Overcome injury woes

Brighton have a concerning list of absentees for their trip to the Italian capital.

Solly March, Kaoru Mitoma, Jack Hinshelwood, Joao Pedro and James Milner are all out with injuries.

The likes of Danny Welbeck, Lewis Dunk and Tariq Lamptey are also doubts.

With such a depleted squad, the Seagulls may find it difficult to play with their usual fluidity and effectiveness against Daniele De Rossi's men.

The Seagulls go into the game off the back of consecutive defeats, losing 1-0 to Wolves in the FA Cup and 3-0 to Fulham in the Premier League.

As an unsurprising result of their missing attacking players, the goals have dried up.

However, they have continued to dominate possession and press high up the pitch — before this round, only Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen had averaged more completed passes per match in the Europa League than Brighton (488.67).

But De Zerbi might be considering a more cautious approach this time around as his side face an in-form Roma.

Nullify Roma threats

De Rossi has got Roma firing after replacing Jose Mourinho at the helm in January.

The Giallorossi only edged past Feyenoord on penalties in the Europa League play-offs — but their Serie A form has been impressive.

They have scored 20 goals in seven league games since De Rossi replaced Jose Mourinho, winning six and only dropping points in a 4-2 defeat to runaway leaders Inter.

That could be ominous for Brighton, who may be particularly susceptible to the quality of Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku on the counter-attack.

The former has four goals and an assist in his last two games, so keeping him quiet is likely to be key for the visitors.

Keep the faith

Approaching this game with confidence and belief rather than fear will be another important element for Brighton.

At their best, they play with a swagger and conviction, even if influential players are missing.

Brighton need only look back to the Europa League group stage for a confidence boost — they finished top ahead of relative giants Marseille and Ajax, drawing at the formidable Stade Velodrome and winning in Amsterdam.

Under difficult circumstances in the Eternal City, self-belief will be essential.

De Zerbi said: "On Thursday, we play a historic game.

"We are not a big club. Every day for us is a challenge if we are able to keep this level.

"For the first time in our life, we are competing in the [last 16] of the Europa League.

"It is a challenge every day, every game. For me, for my staff, for the players, for the analysts, for the medical staff, for everyone.

"It's sport, it's life. What you did yesterday is not important. It is important what you will do tomorrow."