Giampaolo demands final push to end 2016 on a high

Sampdoria must make the most of their next two games against Chievo and Udinese to underline how much ambition they have, says Marco Giampaolo.

The Blucerchiati had put together a decent run of results in the last two months but suffered a home reverse against Lazio last time out.

Now the boss wants his team to bounce straight back by beating Chievo then sign off 2016 with another result on Thursday.

“Tomorrow is an important game for us but it’s not the only one. We have Udinese in midweek and these two matches before the break can tell us where we’re at and where we want to be.

“I expect the lads to produce a gritty performance and show how much their care for this club.

“Chievo are a tricky outfit with lots of seasoned Serie A players. We must stay highly focused with no lapses in concentration – unlike last Sunday. Lazio are a very good side, but we must say that we were below par.”

Giampaolo also revealed that he’s been scratching his head over his starting line-up, with calls from some quarters for Patrik Schick to get the nod following a string of impressive displays.

The coach explained: “If Schick starts then either Muriel or Quagliarell have to sit out.

“I must say I’m really not sure which team we’ll go with against Chievo because it’s quite a strange situation. I’ll make up my mind tomorrow.”