Giampaolo expecting tough test from Torino

Sampdoria are back in league action this weekend and prepare to face Torino, who are led by former Doria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic. The Granata are in good form and have stated their ambition of qualifying for Europe.

Speaking at the news conference in Bogliasco ahead of the contest, Marco Giampaolo said this about the opposition: “They’ve gone through real change, before they were team of control and fight, but now they’re a team with elements of quality in every part of the pitch and have an attractive way of playing.

“We have to understand right away what type of side we’re up against and what sort of game we’ll need to produce,” the Doria boss continued.

With Mihajlovic having spoken about a battle at the Marassi, Giampaolo called on the Samp faithful to play their part: “He knows he has a quality side, but he also knows what it’s like to play at this ground. If we can have that chemistry [with the fans] we’ve seen in the last few games, it could really be a boost for us.”

As for the side he will pick for the game, the Samp coach had this to say: “The test in the TIM Cup against Cagliari gave me positive signs and I saw that all parts of the squad feel involved in our project. That gives me more choice.”

Sampdoria have an ample squad available to them for the league clash, with some players having enjoyed a rest in the week.

“I don’t have any doubts over my starters. With [Karol] Linetty and [Mirko] Eramo playing the entire game in the cup, it means [Dennis] Praet and [Pedro] Pereira – who sat out the match – will play,” Giampaolo said.