Fabio Cannavaro sought to dispel some of the tension going into this weekend's decisive final round of games by reiterating his confidence in the team.
“Frosinone know they're playing a team that can cause problems for them while Empoli wil be up against one of the best teams in the second half of the season. No one wanted to get it this point but when I joined people thought we were dead and buried, and instead we're still here, fighting to win these important games. I have a group of great men who have responded magnificently in spite of the immense difficulties we've had and which everyone knows about – starting with the injury problems. I expect a last hurrah from them. It's a huge mountain to climb but we have to do it and stick our flag on top.
“I said before the Empoli game that I was worried because I knew how good Empoli were. Some people were getting a bit ahead of themselves and I tried to curb the enthusiasm but I wasn't listened to.”
The last-gasp point snatched against Empoli last weekend means the relegation battle is still wide open.
“As things stand, we'd stay up. We must understand that we need to use our heads, even more than we have until now. We need to use all of our strength and we have to be intelligent.
“If we think we can win it in the first half, or if we think we can just wait and see how things are going elsewhere, we could come unstuck. We must focus on ourselves and go out there to try to win the game, forgetting about any permutations.
“Frosinone also have to try to take the game to us and try to win. They can afford to win or draw but I don't think they'll be playing for a draw. They'll want to win."
Cannavaro wrapped up the media conference with some words of gratitude for the fans, who showed their support by accompanying the team bus to the stadium before the Empoli match.
“It was amazing. I've been here for five matches and what I saw last Sunday is what we should see every game. It was the perfect atmosphere for a game of football. Our fans were incredible last week, just as they were exceptional in Lecce and they will be in Frosinone. I know it's not easy because it's a long trip but they're doing all they can to support us in person. They make sacrifices to come and see us – we know that – and we have to give something back.”