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Di Francesco – a former Giallorossi player himself – goes into the game with his side 13th in the Serie A table, a somewhat disappointing effort after qualifying for the Europa League last term.
The Neroverdi lost 3-1 against Luciano Spalletti’s side in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, and will be looking to make amends in the weekend’s late kick-off.
Both Marcello Gazzola and Luca Mazzitelli were both ruled out on the eve of the game, while the boss confirmed Gregoire Defrel is likely to play.
"I hope to see the Sassuolo side that has caused problems for teams on the road,” Di Francesco said. “I want us to be dynamic, incisive and more clinical at both ends of the pitch."
“I really believe that we'll put in a top-quality performance, especially from a mental perspective. I'll decide my line-up overnight. I wanted to highlight certain things to the team and I've worked on motivation. All of them need to feel like they're starters and substitutes."
Sassuolo have yet to lose at the Olimpico since being promoted to the top flight, a record Di Francesco wants to continue.
"We've recorded three draws at the Olimpico and we might even have deserved a bit more,” he noted. “We put in some excellent displays at home even though we lost.
"They have a top-class squad and could make changes. Personally, I don't think they deserved to go out on Thursday."
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