Frosinone head coach Eusebio Di Francesco believes that AC Milan are in a difficult moment but they are not in an emergency, while he gave an update on how his side come into Sartuday’s game.
Frosinone secured their return to the top flight by winning Serie B last season and they have so far had a very positive campaign as they sit in 12th position in the table, well above the drop zone.
Early wins against Atalanta and Sassuolo plus more recent 2-1 home victories against Empoli and Genoa have shown that the Di Francesco side have taken to being back in Serie A very well.
Their away form is a bit of a concern with zero wins, two draws and four losses so far, but they face a Milan side who are having an injury and confidence crisis so they have a real chance to strike a big blown.
Di Francesco spoke at his pre-match press conference two days before the game against Milan on Saturday night at San Siro, with his comments relayed by Calciomercato.com.
Can you give us an injury update?
“Beyond the assumption both will try to win, it’s normal. It’s not a given that we’ll get Mazzitelli back. Both Gelli, Mazzitelli and Brescianini have trained separately, tomorrow you’ll see with the squad. Marchizza will be out for a some time, Lirola we will try to recover it with Torino.”
Gelli is in doubt then?
“Gelli is in doubt, he didn’t train for three days with the team. These are choices that I will make at the last moment. Having everyone available is important for me. This Frosinone needs everyone, even those who come in during the match Gelli had some discomfort after the game on Sunday. He trained separately but is already better.”
Frosinone have won only two points away from home this season…
“What trigger must come? There are many components, starting from belief. We got our last point away in Salerno a long time ago, sometimes we even wasted opportunities, when we were masters of our destiny. We need to change this aspect.”
What do you expect from your players?
“I think concreteness is an adjective that should be added to the qualities we must have. We must raise our attention, especially in away games where we must be even more concrete than what I do at home.”
There is talk of Pioli being on thin ice, what are the rollercoaster moments like as a coach?
“I don’t like roller coasters in general, when I went I did it for my children. I feel very sorry for Fabio Grosso. Unfortunately we know that we are constantly under scrutiny. I don’t know if Pioli is in question, I know that in these in situations the club can give you a strong hand.
“I was sacked after three matches, even playing some good games in my opinion, you have to take it as a reason for growth.”
Milan and Frosinone are among the teams that have covered the most ground in recent games…
“Will the match against Borussia Dortmund have an impact? They’re a team used to managing double commitments. It happened to me at Sassuolo and when the players aren’t used to it, it’s difficult. Milan are used to this, the whole environment is. We go to San Siro to play in a particular stadium, they feel stronger but we have to try to do ours. For me, the fans will support the team.”
What do you expect from Milan?
“I am convinced that the Milan fans will be very close to the team, I am talking about environmental issues thinking about how much a team is used to being in certain atmospheres. I don’t think that Milan are in a disastrous moment, they are certainly in difficulty. Against the Dortmund lost, but had opportunities to take the lead.”
