Giampaolo underlines the need to harness entire squad, with Crotone up next

Sampdoria are back in action this weekend, after last Sunday’s fixtures were postponed following the tragic death of Fiorentina’s Davide Astori.

Ahead of the clash with Crotone, Samp boss Marco Giampaolo emphasised the profound impact the tragedy has had on the sporting world and beyond.

“As we start playing again, we do so honouring Astori’s memory and the beauty of this sport,” he said.

Samp were able to train as planned despite the break and the coach was pleased with how his players prepared.

“I’m satisfied with how my players worked over recent days. I liked what I saw.”

The Blucerchiati are enduring a tough run in the south of Italy, having not won south of Rome for six years.

“I’ve no fears. The worst that can happen is that this negative run continues. We’ve prepared to win this game, one I’m expecting to be tough. We’ll need toughness and character.

“I like Crotone because of the work they’ve done over recent years, with the players they’ve recruited and the good coaches they’ve had.

“We need a win tomorrow, at all costs.”

Giampaolo could not ignore the intense schedule his team faces between now and the end of the campaign, and underlined the need to use all his squad’s resources.

“It’s the time for everyone to be involved. We’ve got lots of games to play, some of them mid-week fixtures. So everyone is needed.

“There will be players banned, dips in form and injuries. We need to make sure our replacements are at the same level or better than those who drop out of the side.

“We’ll all be there on Sunday, apart from [Bartosz] Bereszynski. [Jacopo] Sala will be there in his place. There are still lingering doubts over who I pick tomorrow.”