Giampaolo on Bologna reverse: “Nothing wrong with our approach, we just lacked something”

The Bologna curse continues and shows no sign of abating. Marco Giampaolo was well aware of the dangers this fixture posed. “I can’t fault my side’s mindset and approach. The basic ingredients were there but things just went awry. The statistics show we’ve taken eight points from six matches on our travels. The team tried to play our usual football, while Bologna focused on hitting us on the break. We weren’t good enough in terms of our accuracy, passing and pressing.”

The Blucerchiati boss dismissed suggestions that his side failed a big test. “Of course we’ll see things in a different light if we raise our expectations but two wins, two draws and two losses away from home is par for the course. Results should however be assessed based on our targets – so it’s all very subjective.”

3-0 looks a little harsh given how Samp dominated possession. “I’m annoyed we conceded three goals,” said the coach. “The players are too. That can happen though when you try to attack. They were three scrappy goals. One rebound, one from a set-piece and one on the counter. That said, well done to the opposition for the aggressive way they set up.”