Frosinone were enjoying a good start to the season… until Venezia came along.

A 3-0 defeat at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo sent Frosinone into the international break on the back of their first loss of the campaign and they will be looking to get back to winning ways against Monza.

That loss a fortnight ago must have left a bitter taste in Max Alvini’s mouth and the coach had plenty to mull over during the long wait for a return to action.

But the games do not get any easier when the Biancorossi arrive at the Stadio Benito Stirpe at the weekend.

The visitors are just three points behind Alvini’s men and are expected to be challenging for a quick return to Serie A following relegation back in May.

But their cause has not been helped by the loss of striker Augustin Alvarez with an injury. The Uruguayan had started the season brightly, scoring three goals in six games, and his absence gives coach Paolo Bianco a headache for Saturday.

“He was in his best moment for us,” said Bianco in his pre-game press conference. “He’s our striker and his loss is big but we have to think of who there is available. He’ll be out for at least a month.”

Bianco confirmed that Dany Mota is available as he weighs up his options.

“Who’s coming to replace him? Mota’s back, [Mirko] Maric’s here and [Andrea] Petagna’s here too. He’s never been better since I’ve been here.”

For the home side, Alvini is expecting a tough encounter and he was quick to talk down talk of a promotion push despite still sitting in third place behind Modena and Palermo.

“I’d be very cautious. There are teams with superior squads, built for high goals. But I always play to give my all,” he said. “It’s too early to make definitive judgments.”

Asked what his ambitions are for his Frosinone side, Alvini was unequivocal: “To do well and play entertaining football.”

With 13 goals in seven games, the joint-highest in the division along with Palermo heading into matchday eight, Alvini is keeping up his end of the deal.

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