Roberto De Zerbi believes avoiding relegation is still possible after replacing the sacked Marco Baroni as Benevento coach in the wake of nine successive Serie A defeats.
Baroni had presided over the worst start to a season in Serie A history after Sunday's 3-0 loss at home to Fiorentina, ultimately costing him his job.
He had been in charge since the start of the 2016-17 season and guided Benevento to Serie A for the first time ever.
But after their ninth loss in a row, the club decided a fresh approach was needed and announced his sacking, with De Zerbi taking over.
And their new coach is still optimistic about avoiding the drop, despite being rock-bottom and pointless.
He told the club's official website: "I accepted the call of president [Oreste] Vigorito because survival is still possible. We all have to do our best and give it our all.
"I am a passionate person who gives the maximum and I will do so here in Benevento as well. As for promises, I can only tell the fans that, in this adventure, I will put all of my effort in."
