Giampaolo: “The match changed at half time – the lads did well”

Marco Giampaolo praised his side’s reaction at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Sunday night as they battled back from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina.

“I wasn’t happy with our first-half performance,” admitted the Sampdoria boss after the game. “I told the lads straight up when we got into the dressing room. I won’t reveal the words I used, but I made it clear that if we were going to lose we at least had to entertain the fans, show some personality and play our game.”

The half-time team talk certainly seemed to do the trick, with Doria roaring out of the blocks after the break and quickly bagging the equaliser.

“It was completely different when we went out for the second half. Given the chances we created, we could even have won it. I have to say that the lads did very well,” said Giampaolo.

There were warm words in particular for Luis Muriel, whose stunning header got the Blucerchiati back on level terms 12 minutes into the second half.

“Muriel’s not known for his aerial prowess, but it was a lovely goal and the timing of his jump was perfect,” declared the coach.