Sassuolo Coach Eusebio Di Francesco is “proud” to be facing his son, Bologna striker Federico, in today’s Emilia-Romagna Derby.
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I saw Federico on Tuesday and we spoke on Friday,” revealed the tactician in his Press conference.
“We made fun of each other and joked around, as is normal between father and son. He will focus on doing his best for Bologna.
Sassuolo Coach Eusebio Di Francesco is “proud” to be facing his son, Bologna striker Federico, in today’s Emilia-Romagna Derby.
It kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I saw Federico on Tuesday and we spoke on Friday,” revealed the tactician in his Press conference.
“We made fun of each other and joked around, as is normal between father and son. He will focus on doing his best for Bologna.
“It’s not really a ‘clash’ between father and son, it’s just a coincidence, but it does make me proud. Who are the rest of the family cheering on at home? They’re not allowed into the stadium!
“Bologna have always done well at home, apart from against Genoa when they were down to 10 men. They are very organised and have talented young players strong in one-on-one situations.
“In terms of game development their moves are quite similar to ours, even if perhaps we focus more on vertical runs and passes.”
Sassuolo have kept afloat in Serie A and the Europa League despite an injury crisis, as Domenico Berardi is still unavailable.
“On Friday Berardi had a couple of shots in training, but I don’t know when he’ll be back. It’s not easy to do without him, but we’ve played many games in his absence and I want to underline we’re doing well, as that reflects on the strength of the squad.
“We are doing something sensational in Europe. I saw great character from the side against Rapid Vienna on Thursday. European football is different, so both teams played without protecting themselves.
“Arrigo Sacchi gave me the greatest compliment after that match, as he said he was proud to be Italian after seeing Sassuolo play in Europe. I think we’ve got the right mentality for that tournament.
“I always want to see my team press and attack, but we’ve got to improve our initial approach to games. We tend to start too slow.”
Sassuolo squad for Bologna: Pomini, Consigli, Pegolo, Antei, Peluso, Acerbi, Lirola, Gazzola, Terranova, Cannavaro, Dell’Orco, Magnanelli, Pellegrini, Biondini, Sensi, Mazzitelli, Duncan, Iemmello, Matri, Defrel, Politano, Ricci, Ragusa, Adjapong