Roma lost 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday and lie a disappointing eighth in Serie A ahead of Sunday’s game at Genoa.

“I won’t abandon ship,” Ranieri told a news conference.

The cash-strapped club are in exclusive sale talks with American consortium Di Benedetto and media reports have said the new owners could look to oust the coach, who led the side to the runners-up spot in Serie A last term.

Police had to be called to clear the demonstrators on Saturday.