Pillon is still without a victory since replacing Nevio Orlandi on the Granillo bench and comes face to face with his former club, having taken them to UEFA Cup qualification in 2005.

“Reggina are growing in terms of performance because, despite the defeat, I saw a team playing good football with courage against Siena.

“If there was a side that deserved to win that match, it really was us. That is not my opinion, those are the facts.”

It was nonetheless a second straight defeat after Reggina’s 3-2 home loss to Lazio, dropping them to the foot of the Serie A table on level terms with Chievo.

Pillon hopes to make the most of home advantage in this showdown and hints at a trident attack with Bernardo Corradi, Franco Brienza and Ciccio Cozza.

“Why not? Against Chievo I want to see a team with the same aggressive determination and courage that they showed at Siena.

“If we do that, then we have an excellent chance of winning the match.”