Newly-appointed Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is confident he can steer the relegation-threatened club to safety.

The Serbian tactician spoke for the first time on Tuesday since being handed the reins 24 hours earlier after the sacking of Daniele Arrigoni. Bologna, who were promoted from Serie B last season, face Roma at home on Saturday and they go into the game with just six points from 10 games.

"For me this is a great opportunity," said Mihajlovic.

"I am confident we will avoid the drop but we must start to get points, beginning with our game against Roma," he added.

"A victory against Roma would give us a big morale boost."

The former Lazio star served as an assistant coach to Roberto Mancini at Internazionale in the last three Scudetto-winning campaigns but left the Milan club when Mancini was sacked at the end of last season.

The 39-year-old already has clear ideas about adjustments he will be making at Bologna, who are 19th in the standings, having won just two games while losing eight.

The Rossoblu have the worst defence in the competition alongside bottom side Reggina with 19 goals conceded so far this campaign.

"I will play with four defenders," said Mihajlovic. "I already have in mind my tactical line-up, but before I unveil it I would like to talk to my players."