AS Roma vs Empoli preview - Roma looking to replace Destro

Roma will sign a replacement for the recently-departed Mattia Destro before the end of the transfer window.

AC Milan announced on Friday they had signed Italian striker Destro on a six-month loan deal from Roma with an option to make the move permanent this summer.

Ahead of Roma's home game against Empoli on Saturday, Giallorosso coach Rudi Garcia told the Italian media: "Destro wanted to play more and it's normal to let him go.

"We know that before Tuesday we will sign his replacement.

"Destro is a talented player but now he is no longer here so we must find a forward who is even more stronger than Destro and that helps us in the second half of the season."

In the meantime, Garcia expects his team to return to winning ways on Saturday having drawn four of their last five league games.

The Giallorossi lost further ground on Juve after last weekend's 1-1 result at Fiorentina left them in second place, seven points adrift of league leaders Juventus.

Roma have not won at the Stadio Olimpico since November 30.

"We have drawn too many games but I still believe we are on course in the three competitions we are playing in (Serie A, Coppa Italia, Europa League)," Garcia said. "We need the fans to stand behind us when things don't go well.

"They have always been fantastic and we are stronger when they are behind us.

"Our ambition is to win games and my players need to show that hunger on the pitch."

Roma will have to do without injured midfielders Daniele De Rossi and Kevin Strootman.

Rivals Empoli have not won since November 23 and have drawn six of their eight league games since.

Last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Udinese dropped the Tuscan minnows to 16th place, two places and just one point clear of the drop zone.

Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri will have all of his players available, with the exception of defender Lorenzo Tonelli and midfielder Tiberio Guarente, both out injured.