Eusebio Di Francesco assures Frosinone will ‘not just defend’ against reigning champions Napoli and admits it is ‘Year Zero’ for his coaching career.
It kicks off at the Stadio Benito Stirpe on Saturday at 17.30 UK time (16.30 GMT).
“We are playing against the reigning Champions of Italy and a team who will want to retain the Scudetto,” noted the coach in his press conference.
“Frosinone are fighting for Serie A safety, so naturally the ambitions and quality of the two teams are very different. We need great courage and enthusiasm, but also tactical intelligence to stay in the game, knowing our opponents have players who can change everything from one moment to the next.”
The Canarini won the Serie B title last season, but coach Fabio Grosso walked away over the summer, so Di Francesco was drafted in.
It represents a new start for him after a series of terrible experiences at Sampdoria, Cagliari and Hellas Verona, all of which resulted in dismissal very early into the season.
His most recent job at Verona lasted only four matches.
“It is wonderful to be back, these are the nerves that make you love this work. This is Year Zero for me, I am focused only on the present and not the past. There is a gap with Napoli, but we can bridge it with enthusiasm and daring. We certainly will not just focus on defending.”
Frosinone will be without injured Karlo Lulic and Sergio Kalaj, while Kvicha Kvaratskhelia has pulled out of the trip for Napoli with a muscular issue.
The Canarini already opened up their season on August 11 with a 1-0 win over Pisa in the Coppa Italia.