Di Francesco's pre-Empoli press conference in full

The game at the Stadio Carlo Castellani gets underway at 20:30 CEST.

Empoli's performances suggest they deserve more than the points they've actually got. Would you agree with that? Will this be a big test for your side?

“Every day is a test and there will be another one when we come back after the break. We must keep proving ourselves and improving constantly. Empoli will be a huge test for us because they're playing well and deserve a lot more than the points tally they have on the board. Of the so-called smaller sides, they're one of the best in possession and the stats tell you they're a very good team. [Aurelio] Andreazzoli deserves credit because he's doing an excellent job.”

You started your career at Empoli. What memories do you have of your time there?

“It's always nice to go back to Empoli. I have lots of friends there who I'm very fond of, including Nicola Caccia – one of the players I grew up with. I'm happy to be going back. I've been before but this will be my first time as Roma coach.”

Will Aleksandar Kolarov make way for Davide Santon or Luca Pellegrini since he's been playing with a fracture?

“Luca Pellegrini will start tomorrow. Kolarov won't be in the squad because he couldn't even walk today – that tells you what sort of condition he played in. He gave everything he had for the team and I congratulate him on that.”

All four Italian teams won their Champions League matches this week. Is that a good sign for Italian football?

“It's certainly a sign we're improving but we have to keep it up now – that's what matters. We shouldn't get too carried away but we've made progress and, as an Italian coach, it's pleasing to see.”

Could we see Santon at right-back? Might Alessandro Florenzi play in attack again?

“The only two defenders certain to start are [Kostas] Manolas and Pellegrini. I haven't made up my mind yet between Florenzi and Santon or who will play as left centre-back. I tried lots of different things in training today and I'll decide tomorrow depending on the opposition forwards. I'm weighing up lots of factors.

"Lorenzo Pellegrini will definitely play in midfield along with two of [Steven] Nzonzi, [Daniele] De Rossi and [Bryan] Cristante, depending on who's in the best shape. We need to take a look at Daniele: he came through training today, unlike yesterday when he only did the first part. He'll start if he's fit. Edin [Dzeko] will definitely play up front but I don't know who the wide players will be yet.”

Will Ante Coric get a chance?

“The lads who come here from other leagues need to adapt in more than one way. I've used 23 players so far and his chance will come too.”

How are Rick Karsdorp and Patrik Schick doing?

“They're both improving. Karsdorp had a serious injury and he's adjusting. There are several things he has to work on and improve but he needn't get down. We have several full-back options and everyone will get their chance. Schick has done some things well and others less well but I believe in him and his ability. Tomorrow I'm going with Edin to try and exploit the goalscoring form he displayed on Tuesday.”

Did Andreazzoli ever give you advice when you were Roma team manager?

“Aurelio and I often used to play tennis together in the evening. We were a good group but I didn't talk to them much about football. I had a different role back then and I didn't want to get involved in certain things.”

Could we see Florenzi playing further forward again?

“He could in some games but not tomorrow. If he plays tomorrow, it will be at full-back.”

Do you see the international break as a good or a bad thing?

“It's always a good thing because it gives you the chance to recover mental and physical energy. Lots of the lads will be going away on international duty but that too can help you switch off and relax mentally. Sometimes you need that. However, before we can think about the break we have a very difficult match tomorrow and we need three points to make up ground in the league.”

Where is Schick at right now?

“It's October and we have to get the best out of him and help him improve. Everyone goes through periods. Up until a week ago people were saying Lorenzo Pellegrini wasn't good enough to play for Roma whereas now people are talking about giving him a new contract. There's no balance. Let's just wait. Some players take longer to develop than others, then they become great players. And Patrik has the talent to become a great player.”

What aspects of Empoli's game worry you the most?

“Watching them play you can see they have the ability to get the ball forward quickly. They craft moves well with the forward and attacking midfielders and they press high. They have ideas too. Perhaps they lack a little width: they pack the middle with 4-3-2-1 and we have to find the way to open them up. We've taken the right measures to make sure we can defend and attack against them. We must try to take the game to them and control proceedings. We must get our approach right.”

Will Kolarov go away on international duty?

“I haven't spoken to anyone about that. I think he needs to go so they can check his injury. I don't think it would be appropriate for him to play but he's shown he's capable of playing in difficult circumstances. I'm sure the club will do everything they can to get him back here as soon as possible.”