Aurelio Andreazzoli will make his debut on the Empoli bench against leaders Inter after Paolo Zanetti was sacked. ‘I am asking myself many questions.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Castellani on Sunday at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).
Goalkeeper Elia Caprile and midfielder Daniel Maldini are still out injured, but confidence is rock bottom after no points or even goals scored after four rounds.
The 7-0 defeat to Roma proved the final straw for Zanetti, who was sacked to make way for the reliable old hands of Andreazzoli, making his return to Empoli yet again.
“I saw a lot of curiosity from the players, they were eager to participate in the training process. There is not much time to prepare, but we have faith,” said the new boss.
“Inter play great football and have a lot of variety, so this is an opportunity to challenge ourselves against the top team. We must take this journey one step at a time and tomorrow is the first.”
There is also a midweek round coming up against Salernitana, so there might be the temptation to rest some star names for that relegation showdown.
“I am happy to have a midweek round, as it means we can test everyone out. I am also meeting all the players individually, trying to see what I get from looking them in the eyes.
“If I saw a player who does not have the desire to fight, then I will abandon him. I give my players freedom, but I am the coach and that is what counts in the training ground. Anyone who does not align with that is out.”
Having said that, Andreazzoli isn’t entirely sure what his ideas are right now, as a return to 4-3-1-2 is not necessarily guaranteed.
“I am asking myself many questions too. We worked on concepts and principles, as a tactical system doesn’t make the difference. There are other elements that are far more important.”