Lecce, from now on the weight of the first is valid

LECCE – Ready, set, go: now the real action begins. Lecce takes to the field tonight at the "Via del Mare" against Juve Stabia (kick-off at 8:45 PM) in the round of 32 of the Coppa Italia. It's no easy match for the Giallorossi, as it's their first competitive match of the new season. It's an important test to assess the Salento side's form, especially ahead of their Serie A debut next Saturday against Genoa. Lecce can't afford to make any mistakes from now on, as they'll need to capitalize on the intense work they've put in throughout the preseason. Coach Eusebio Di Francesco is well aware of this, as he returns to the "Via del Mare" as coach of the Giallorossi, 14 years after his first stint in Salento. "Starting again is always a great feeling," says the coach, "and I really hope we can get off to a great start. Tactically and physically, I see the team improving. We had an excellent training camp and are working hard to get through the workload we've put in. Now let's see what we've learned in the official matches. We did well in the last friendly against Monopoli, but we lacked consistency; we need to improve in this area. As for the group, I've gotten to know the players especially on a personal level during this period. I've had excellent feedback from everyone."

As for the starting lineup, Di Francesco doesn't provide many clues: "First of all, I think it's a mistake to talk about a starting eleven, because with the possibility of making five substitutions, you have to think about ninety minutes. I have some doubts about the lineup, which I'll resolve after the last training session. Individuals are worthless if we don't work as a team. Order is the rule, disorder is not. We need to be organized to maintain cohesion. The friendlies are useful for strengthening certain ways of doing things. This team is slowly assimilating certain things I'm asking for, but we need to improve." The choices appear forced, especially in defense: "I have two central defenders available, Tiago Gabriel and Gaspar. They will play, I can tell you that much in advance. Perez is recovering from a knock and hasn't recovered. The numbers show we need at least one more central defender, but the club knows this and is working on it. Baschirotto has left, and certain decisions have been made regarding him. I wish him the best of luck, but now I'm focused on developing the players we have in the squad."

There's plenty of room in midfield, though Di Francesco hints that there could be some movement in the transfer market: "The midfield is the most densely populated area I have. I'm also evaluating the midfield, and it's not a given that something can move and something else arrive. I want to create a midfield that can build and attack at the same time. The midfielders must get into the goal area and score more goals than in the past; I believe the players available can improve in this area." The situation surrounding Nikola Krstović is inevitably the focus of attention. The Montenegrin's future is uncertain, and given the right offer, he's ready to leave Lecce for another club, with Roma in pole position. Di Francesco sums up: "The situation is clear and everyone knows about it. We know very well where the transfer market can go, but that doesn't mean he can't be a starting player in this match. He's currently one of our players, and we're evaluating him for a starting spot, both in the cup and the league. Then there's Camarda, of whom I can only speak well. He needs to improve, but I see great potential in him. I'm happy to coach both of them at the moment. I'm trying to make Krstovic understand how important it is to be present and to work as best as possible. There can be ups and downs, but he must focus on giving his all for this jersey. We represent Lecce, a team and a people that deserve respect. As long as we're here, I expect maximum commitment and seriousness from everyone." As for the new arrivals, the Giallorossi coach praises the addition of Sottil: "I think he chose to come here for director Corvino, for me, and for what the team has achieved in recent years. It must be said that he has trained little with us; he will certainly be available, but he won't start; he can be useful during the match. I found him much more mature, in every respect, and I'm happy about that." Di Francesco then commented on the enthusiasm surrounding the season ticket campaign, which is proceeding at full speed: "Certain results come from a great club and a great crowd. I feel a strong sense of belonging here, I'm happy to be a part of it. I've even discussed it during some calls with players who might come here. This environment instills a strong sense of belonging, which is felt throughout the club and the city." Finally, Di Francesco elected Falcone as the team's new captain: "The choice was my own. I believe he deserves the armband for what he's done, and I think the choice has gratified him. He will be our captain."