Di Francesco on Crotone clash: “Business time at last”

Six weeks after commencing pre-season preparations, Sampdoria are now ready for their first competitive fixture of the 2019/20 campaign. The Blucerchiati visit Crotone on Sunday evening in the third round of Coppa Italia – a game Eusebio Di Francesco is looking forward to for various reasons.

“It’s the Coppa Italia tomorrow, which means it’s business time at last. All the pre-season training and friendlies are in the past now. Our aim is to reach the next round,” the boss said on the eve of the match.

“This game is important firstly because we want to progress in the cup and secondly because it will help further clarify our ideas ahead of our Serie A opener.

“Crotone are a tricky side with top-class players so we’ll have to stay fully focused on the task.

“Playing in their stadium means we’ll be at a disadvantage but it’s the sort of obstacle we have to be able to clear because we want to go as far as possible in the competition.”