Lecce coach Eusebio Di Francesco addressed the media ahead of Monday’s Serie A match against Roma at the Via del Mare, discussing his squad, the club’s new arrivals and several selection decisions.
Lecce enter the match with confidence following their opening victory away to Venezia, while Roma are looking to build on their 4-0 win over Fiorentina.
“At Venezia, we did well to suffer,” Di Francesco said. “I will make my evaluations. Starting with a victory certainly brings enthusiasm, including among the supporters. We have broken our season-ticket record.”
Di Francesco discusses Ilić and Lecce’s new arrivals
Di Francesco believes Ivan Ilić can increase the technical quality of Lecce’s midfield, although the new arrival is not yet ready to play a full match.
“Ilić can play anywhere in midfield and raises the quality of that department. He had not trained with the team for a month, but I saw that he was sharp. I think he has a few minutes in him to help us.
“We have increased the quality in midfield, but we must not lose our ability to defend together. Coaches do not always have as much influence over the transfer market as we would like, but in this case, he was my request. I wanted another midfielder.
“Having more solutions gives us more potential starters. Ilić needs to rediscover continuity and the strength he demonstrated from a young age. I hope this can be the right place for him to relaunch his career.”
Berisha will also be included in the squad as he moves closer to a complete return.
“I will call up Berisha for this match. I think he will return to full training with the team next week.”
Di Francesco also addressed Fatah’s condition following a lengthy absence.
“Fatah is returning from a long layoff and had been out since April. He has quality, however, and tomorrow I will evaluate him depending on how the match develops.”
Tiago Gabriel remains available despite transfer reports
Tiago Gabriel has been linked with a possible departure, but Di Francesco insisted that Lecce have received nothing concrete.
“Before the last match, I held two individual conversations—one with him and another with Gorter. Now everyone wants to speak with me because they scored,” he joked.
“Tiago is our player. I spoke with him because there are rumours, but no concrete situations. He plays in a delicate position where concentration is essential.
“I will not reveal anything in advance, but tomorrow he and others have the opportunity to play.”
Gallo doubtful for Roma match
Antonino Gallo’s availability remains uncertain after the defender experienced problems during the week.
“I speak with Gallo continuously, especially because he is doubtful for this match after having some problems during the week.”
Di Francesco also praised goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone and emphasized the importance of commitment to Lecce.
“I spoke with Falcone. These are players who care about performing well in this shirt. Regardless of how many years someone spends at a club, that sense of belonging must be present.”
Di Francesco praises Stulić’s development
Despite missed opportunities during Lecce’s opening match, Di Francesco remains confident that Nikola Stulić will soon be rewarded for his work.
“Beyond the chances he missed, he is not training well—he is training extremely well. Having a competitor like Geubbels has created an incredibly high level of quality in training.
“He is reaching technical and physical maturity and has improved enormously. He previously struggled to attack the space behind the defence, but today he has a different level of acceleration.
“I was disappointed for him on Sunday because scoring would have been important, but I am convinced he will make up for it very soon.”
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini also addressed the media before the match, discussing his squad and the club’s final transfer priorities in his complete pre-Lecce press conference.
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