Di Francesco: “We’ll have the bit between our teeth against Inter”

League leaders Inter will travel to the Ferraris on Saturday afternoon looking to keep their winning start to the season going. Before discussing how Sampdoria need to approach the game, Eusebio Di Francesco looked back on the team’s 2-1 defeat in Florence in midweek. “Games often turn on moments and the refereeing decisions on Wednesday didn’t help us. Federico Chiesa was clearly offside in the passage of play that led to his shot which Emil Audero pushed behind for the corner that they opened the scoring from. I also think Murillo was harshly punished for his foul because he did everything to avoid contact with his opponent. Having said that, we have to improve in various areas both defensively and going forward.”

Facing a team with maximum points will certainly not be a stroll in the park, but the coach had plenty of words of encouragement for his troops ahead of the clash. “Every player must always have that desire to improve regardless of who they’re facing. We’re up against Antonio Conte’s Inter and he’s a coach who often talks about being fierce on the pitch, which in itself should be an added incentive for us. We’ll have to be as good as them on the day. I want to see my side go out there with the bit between their teeth.”

Di Francesco has taken solace from the team’s fitness data and knows that the Blucerchiati will once again have to stick together on the pitch if they are to clinch a positive result. “Looking at the fitness data, I can say that we’re in excellent shape. We have to improve mentally and I’m working on that with the lads to help them understand that we must improve in certain situations.”

The boss believes that the Marassi faithful will have a big role to play in trying to put an end to the Nerazzurri’s flawless start to the league campaign. “I’m expecting a wall of noise tomorrow afternoon. The Ferraris must become our fortress once again. The fans have said that as well and we can make it happen together, with them supporting us from the terraces and the players giving them plenty to shout about in return.”