Giampaolo calls for passion against Roma: “We must be bold, the fans will help us”

The focus will be on Sampdoria v Roma at Marassi on Saturday night and Marco Giampaolo stressed the importance of the international break in his side’s preparations during a press conference earlier.

“Unlike last year where we consistently lost plenty of bodies during the international break, very few departed this time around which meant we could really make the most of our training sessions and help the new faces to get settled,” said the coach.

“We come into this one on the back of two wins which have given us greater belief and self-confidence. We face a tough side tomorrow but that doesn’t bother me as it will allow us to see where we’re at.”

“Duvan Zapata and Ivan Strinic trained separately before joining the club but they’ve had a positive impact on the squad. They’re keen to do well and highly motivated. I believe they have strengthened the squad in specific areas. Bringing in new players means better quality training sessions for everyone. I’m pleased with our work in the transfer window – the club made some good moves. We have greater structure to the team now. Emiliano Viviano is not in the squad because he still has to resume full training, work hard and get some practice matches under his belt. He’s got the all clear from the doctor but he’ll only play again once he’s ready.”

Despite controversy in Rome about the officials appointed for this weekend’s match, the refereeing team will be helped by the introduction of technology. “VAR has been a positive, cultural change,” stressed Giampaolo. “Referees are doing a better job, making fewer mistakes and are more relaxed as a result. I believe it’s the perfect tonic to psychological pressure on officials.”

“Compared with Fiorentina, while they’ve also changed coach, they have retained most of their players,” said the coach in reference to the opposition Roma. “Eusebio Di Francesco deserves this opportunity because he’s done brilliantly over the past few years.”

Giampaolo concluded with a message for the fans: “We’re at home in front of our own supporters and we want to do well. Marassi will help us because it gives us the edge. Then the best team will come out on top, or perhaps the luckier side. I watched Roma against Inter and I don’t think they deserved to lose. Then they conceded three times without even realising it. We must be daring and bold. Our aim is to consistenly produce big performances and never be there for the taking. We need to show heart and passion.”