Giampaolo looks ahead to Udinese showdown

Sampdoria’s match away at Udinese was described last week by Marco Giampaolo as similar to a play-off, and the coach recognises the significance, in terms of footballing prestige and financial reward, of keeping hold of tenth spot in the table.

“We can say that we’re going into a head-to-head clash, even though there are other teams behind that could pounce to get tenth spot,” he said in the pre-match news conference.

“But our destiny is in our hands and, like I said when we were away in the derby, it’s positive to play matches in those circumstances.”

Giampaolo also downplayed the influence of transfer rumours on his team: “I’m not worried and my players did not seem affected by the rumours. Quite the opposite – the level of focus during the week was high; there was a different feeling about the place.”

As for his selection in tomorrow’s game, the boss said he may look to make some tweaks in order to win the game.

“I’ve made a few changes in recent times and I could make more tomorrow. Our number one objective is getting the result,” he said.

With 25 years having passed since Sampdoria reached the European Cup final, Giampaolo said it was important to carry on dreaming of reaching those heights once again.

“Sampdoria are a big club. They’ve won a Scudetto, got to a European Cup final, won numerous Coppa Italias. Football has changed since then but, while those dreams are stored away for now, it’s about making them come true one day.”