Roberto Di Matteo understands the importance of Sunday’s Black Country derby clash against Wolves (12pm KO).
The game is the Italian’s first taste of the heated derby between Albion and Wolves, but he is no stranger to rivals facing each other on the pitch.
The former Chelsea man enjoyed success against other London rivals and also played in the Rome derby for Lazio.
Di Matteo has already spoken to his players about what to expect at The Hawthorns on Sunday, and has been made well aware of what three points would mean after speaking to supporters.
"We are aware of the rivalry because the fans have mentioned it to me," he said.
"I've had a chat with the players about it but the most important aspect is that they are our competitors in terms of trying to stay in the Premier League.
"For that reason we want to try and win the game.
"The feedback I've had is that the fans don't like each other very much.
"It's put me in the picture.
"I experienced the Rome derby as a player, which is a hell of a derby.
"People go crazy over there.
"It's in the Olympic stadium, sold out, the most important game.
"It's one of the hottest I've been involved in.
"It's quite dramatic to say the least.
"Trouble is if you do well in that but badly in the rest of the games then there's no point."