In a press conference held two days before Frosinone’s encounter with Verona, coach Eusebio Di Francesco expressed the gravity of the upcoming fixture, labeling it as the “first of many small finals.” The Frosinone side, led by Di Francesco, faces Marco Baroni’s Verona on Sunday at 3:00PM, with both teams seeking crucial points in their bid to remain in Serie A.
After a notable victory against Cagliari, Di Francesco addressed various aspects of the team and the challenges they face. Regarding the potential participation of Seck in the starting lineup, the coach stated, “Seck, I haven’t decided whether he will play from the beginning or not. He is ready to play, but the decision is still pending. He lacks a bit of match rhythm, but he is in good condition.” The coach also provided an update on injured players, listing Bonifazi, Lusuardi, Kalaj, Marchizza, and Lirola, while expressing hope for Monterisi’s return.
Reflecting on the upcoming Verona match, Di Francesco acknowledged the difficulties in preparation but emphasized his familiarity with Baroni’s team philosophy. He mentioned, “I know Baroni’s philosophy; it’s a solid team determined to achieve results. They will be missing some players, but the team’s philosophy is clear. They tend to excel in difficulties.”
Di Francesco went on to discuss the significance of the match, stating, “I don’t like to answer in hindsight if it’s the most important game of the season. We still have to play, and I prefer to talk about the present. It’s an important game like the others. From now on, they are all small finals.” The coach expressed his desire to maintain positive results, particularly in away games, which have proven challenging for Frosinone.
When asked about the crucial components for success in the upcoming match, Di Francesco emphasized the importance of a reactive, quick, and adept team, especially in dealing with second balls. He analyzed Verona’s recent changes, noting the shift in playing style with the departure of Djuric and the arrival of Henry, whom he considers an excellent and dynamic attacker.
The press conference also touched on memories of Gigi Riva, with Di Francesco expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to know the legendary figure during his playing days. He highlighted a constructive conversation with Riva during challenging times at Cagliari, showcasing the latter’s influence and character.
Addressing the defensive challenges due to injuries, Di Francesco discussed the possibility of utilizing players in unfamiliar positions. With Zortea returning to the group only on the day of the conference, the coach mentioned having trained midfielders to play as full-backs, considering the shortage of defensive options.
In conclusion, Di Francesco spoke about the acquisition of Seck and his versatility, praising the player’s technical skills, speed, and ability to cover various attacking roles. He expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, stating, “Seck provides us with more alternatives, and I am happy with this signing. It was one of our top choices, even at the beginning of the season.”
