Giampaolo outlines Samp’s game plan: “Let’s make life tough for Lazio”

Marco Giampaolo is well aware of the threat posed by Lazio, the Blucerchiati’s next opposition tomorrow at the Stadio Olimpico. Sampdoria haven’t won on that ground for 12 years.

“We’ve ended a number of hoodoos this season because we’ve never written games off,” explained the coach in his pre-match press conference. “We’re playing one of the most complete and technically gifted sides in Serie A but I really believe that if we’re motivated enough we can play well. That’s our mission for tomorrow.”

The whole group are available for selection for the trip to the capital apart from Angelo Palombo and Emiliano Viviano. “Our medical staff have done well to get all of our unavailable players fit again,” continued Giampaolo.

“Muriel is ahead of schedule and itching to get back out there, so he’ll travel to Rome with us even though we want to be careful with him. Viviano is out with the same old issue but we’re in very safe hands with Puggioni.”

Patrik Schick and Ante Budimir are both fit and available but Giampaolo won’t make a decision on who will partner Fabio Quagliarella just yet. “We tried out a few different options during the week,” he concluded. “Either way, we’re sorted now that Schick and Budimir are fit again. Regardless of who plays, what matters is our approach. We’ll only be able to cause problems for Lazio if we get off on the right foot.”