The former Siena and Lazio Coach was given the reins this morning following the 4-1 defeat against Robur, which left them in the bottom three.

“I can see that there is a great deal of anticipation and we will try to be up to the task,” said Papadopulo in his presentation Press conference.

“I know I have come to an important club with prospects and that is what prompted me to make this decision. I had other chances in the past, but I declined them for various reasons.

“I have many reasons why I think we’ll be safe and above all that Bologna, in deciding to change management at this time, prove they want to cling to the top flight.

“I know some of the players personally and have studied the others, so with this squad I’m confident in our chances.”

Papadopulo admitted he was “leaning towards a three-man defence, as it will give us the chance to use the forwards and midfielders more with two strikers and the wingers ready to finish off the move.”

It’s a tough road ahead, as Bologna’s run-in has games away to Palermo, Torino and Chievo plus home ties with Genoa, Reggina, Lecce and Catania.

“I enjoy the relegation dogfights, especially if we win them” Any match can become difficult if you don’t have the right ferocious approach, while others have no pressure on them and can cause an upset.”

This is Bologna’s third Coach of the season after Daniele Arrigoni and Mihajlovic were dismissed, but it’s Papadopulo’s first job in nine months.

“I had calls from Serie B clubs who saw me as the man to take them to promotion, but I promised myself I’d no longer go into the second division. I didn’t even hesitate when asked to come to Bologna, though.”