Di Francesco Back at Lecce: “More Experienced, Solid Club, and Banda Intriguing”

Corvino`s Introduction and Di Francesco`s Gratitude

The Eusebio Di Francesco era has officially commenced for Lecce. Technical director Pantaleo Corvino and sporting director Stefano Trinchera introduced the former Venezia coach. Club President Saverio Sticchi Damiani also extended his welcome to the new manager, arriving late after participating in a Lega assembly in Milan earlier that day. Corvino introduced Di Francesco, affirming: “Eusebio Di Francesco possesses all the qualities to succeed. He is a consummate professional with a profound desire for redemption.” This new chapter follows two challenging seasons for the coach, which saw Frosinone and Venezia relegated on the final day of their respective campaigns.

“I extend my sincere thanks to the president, the director, and the entire club for inviting me back to Lecce,” the new Giallorossi coach stated, accompanied by his technical staff. “I am immensely proud of my previous time here in Lecce. My current staff will include assistant coach Del Rosso, Pinzi, and fitness coach Massimo Neri. However, there is a profound absence. My thoughts are with Graziano Fiorita, our physiotherapist who tragically passed away in April. I will truly miss a friend like him. I also wish to thank Pierluigi Iervese, my former assistant from the last two seasons, a highly professional individual who has now chosen to pursue his own career path.”

The Return: A Changed Landscape

After a 14-year hiatus, `DiFra` returns to Salento, and the new Giallorossi boss highlighted the contrasting circumstances. “I find a very different club compared to 14 years ago, and I return with a wealth of experience, unlike the Serie A debutant I was back then,” he emphasized. “At that time, the club was undergoing a dismantling phase. I am convinced that this is the ideal place and moment to achieve our primary objective: securing top-flight safety. The past serves as a vast repository of experience from various angles. I wouldn`t go as far as saying salvation was `taken away` from us with Frosinone, but… And last season with Venezia, we battled for our objective right up until the final matchday.”

Embracing the 4-3-3 Formation

Following his previous stints with Frosinone and Venezia, where he often deployed a 3-4-2-1 tactical module, Di Francesco announced a shift in his team`s formation. “Unlike last year, I will revert to a 4-3-3 system,” stated Zeman`s former protégé. “This formation can be adapted and evolve depending on the opponent. Building from the back? Its interpretation varies, but the ultimate goal is to surprise and penetrate the opponent`s defense to score. As for the playmaker role, Pierret could be a strong candidate. A regista must be adept at moving the ball between lines rather than just horizontally. Our playmaker needs to be capable of defending, possessing physical impact, and effectively communicating with teammates.”

Player Requirements and Intriguing Prospects

The synergy between Corvino and Di Francesco has reached a promising and intriguing level, a point the former Roma coach, who guided them to a Champions League semi-final, made clear. “The director understands precisely what I want, and we are collaboratively making numerous selections. Player characteristics are, in my view, more crucial than tactical modules. Danilo Veiga and Gallo, for instance, are full-backs highly predisposed to offensive play. Our aim is to establish dynamic pairings with diverse attributes for each position.”

He also expressed an intention to help interesting players, who caught his eye as an adversary in the last two seasons, regain their top form. “Aside from Krstovic, who proved to be an excellent striker, my attention, especially during my first year as an opponent, was particularly drawn to players like Banda, who alternated roles with my son Federico. He`s a player who later struggled due to injuries. He is an individual we need to elevate back to high levels, supporting his recovery from all standpoints: physically and, most importantly, mentally. He`s a winger who has demonstrated exceptional skill in one-on-one situations, capable of creating numerical superiority.”