“With all the scenarios I imagined for my comeback since the day I got the ban, I could have a future career as a Hollywood director,” smiled the 33-year-old.

“The truth is at the end of the day I’d just love my return to be a winning one, above all to stop people saying I bring bad luck. Ideally we would win 2-1 with my goal at the last minute.”

Flachi was one of Serie A’s most consistent hitmen a few seasons ago with 107 goals for Sampdoria, but he fell into a bad crowd.

He tested positive for cocaine after a home game against Inter on January 28 2007 and was handed a 16-month ban, but it was extended to 24 months on the Disciplinary Commission’s appeal.

Flachi has been training with amateur side Pietrasanta and signed for Empoli in the summer, who he will finally make his debut with when the ban ends on January 28.

“The closer that day comes, the more anxious I am. Physically I am prepared, as for months I have been training harder than any of my teammates. I go with them for away games and pre-match training camps,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“At the start I will struggle a little with match tempo, but I have the experience to handle that. If anything the biggest problem will be positively channelling my intense desire to prove myself.

“With every minute that goes by, the tension increased, especially as I don’t want to disappoint all those who stuck by me in this time.”