US Sassuolo Calcio vs Athletic Bilbao - Sassuolo must play without fear - Di Francesco

Posted Thursday, September 15, 2016 by PA

Sassuolo boss Eusebio Di Francesco has challenged his players to show no fear when the Italian club begin a first Europa League campaign at home to Athletic Bilbao.

The Neroverdi, who finished sixth in Serie A last season, came through two rounds of qualifying to take their place in the group stages, which will also see fixtures against Genk and Rapid Vienna.

Di Francesco accepts it is going to be something of a step into the unknown when the Spanish side come to the Stadio Citta del Tricolore in Modena on Thursday evening.

"Obviously there needs to be respect, but while pursuing our philosophy of play. The most important aspect is to have great enthusiasm, not fear," Di Francesco said at a press conference.

"We need something more, even from the fans.

"Athletic Bilbao give away more when they are playing away, but they still have more European experience than us.

"I don't know how our opponents see us, but I have looked at them and they have more qualities than flaws and I expect they will play for top spot in the group.

"However, we will be happy to face them and it will be a good challenge for us."

Sassuolo, who have lost their last two domestic league matches including a 3-1 defeat at Juventus, are set to be without midfielder Simone Missiroli, Stefano Sensi and French forward Ettore Gliozzi, but 19-year-old on-loan defender Pol Lirola should feature.

Bilbao head to Italy having recorded a first LaLiga win of the new season after securing a 1-0 away victory at Deportivo La Coruna with a goal from Raul Garcia.

Club president Josu Urrutia said at a pre-match press conference screened on the club's website: "We're hoping to take it forward knowing that it will be difficult.

"We are confident because we have a team that has responded well in recent seasons and wants to continue on that line."