Palermo, Dionisi believes in the enterprise: "In Naples to make a good impression, there is nothing written"

The day after tomorrow, Palermo will be the protagonist of a gala evening at the Maradona stadium in Napoli, where they will face the Neapolitan team coached by Antonio Conte in the round of 32 of Coppa Italia. The challenge, on paper, seems unequal: Napoli, the top team in Serie A, starts as favourites compared to the pink and black team, busy in the race for promotion to Serie B. However, the Palermo coach, Alessio Dionysus, he doesn't let himself be discouraged and believes in the potential of his team.

“I expect a strong Napoli – Dionisi declared in a press conference – It will be nice to compete with a top-level team, but the result is not written. It is true that there is a difference between Serie A and B, but we want to make a good impression and, in the future, the goal is to play matches like this with more continuity".

For Palermo, the match represents an important opportunity, even if many of the starters could rest to make room for the second lines, on both sides. Dionisi is also evaluating some changes compared to the 0-0 obtained against Cesena in the championship last Saturday. “Let's not talk about turnover – specified the Palermo coach – but there will certainly be changes in the starting eleven. We want to give space to those who have played less and rest those who need it, but without upsetting the team".

Dionisi knows the value of the Azzurri well, having conceded six goals when he sat on the Sassuolo bench against Napoli. But this time, the coach is confident: "We are underdogs, it's true, but we have a chance. We must be mentally convinced that we can cause them problems. We are not going to Naples for a picnic: we are focused and we have already shown our value by eliminating Parma, a Serie A team, in the previous round".

After the commitment of Coppa Italia, Palermo will have to immediately return to focusing on the championship, where the main objective remains promotion to Serie A. On Monday the rosanero will face a tricky away match against Sudtirol, and Dionisi knows well how important it is to maintain high concentration also on the Serie B front.

“We are not a steamroller – Dionisi admitted – and we won't be if we don't improve our mentality. We have important players and medium-high quality, but it's not enough. We have to grow mentally because the championship is difficult and the other teams don't expect us".