Giampaolo as Verona looms: “We have to put Samp first”

From Verona to Bergamo, with Novarello in between: the team will spend Easter together at a team gathering, working on the pitch, in the gym, and in the video room.

Marco Giampaolo explained this decision in the press conference held before the match against Chievo: “The choice to hold a team gathering was one taken by the players as an admission of responsibility, given that we have three matches in seven days, and some players have also had international duties, so we have only had the whole group together in the last few days.

“We now need to focus on keeping together, and making sure that Sampdoria is the top focus for everyone,” continued the coach, speaking in Bogliasco’s press room. “That we have ten internationals in the squad today, when we only had one or two in July, is proof of how our work together has benefitted these players. We’ve seen the best out of this team when they have played as a united group.”

The next seven days will speak volumes on the final destiny of Sampdoria’s season: first up Chievo, then Atalanta, and finally the derby. “We’ll take these matches on one at a time,” continued Giampaolo. “Over the week the players who have been able to train have looked good. Focus on the situation can get a little lost with so many players on the move: it’s hard to understand the condition they’re in when some play and others don’t. Tomorrow I’ll play the best 11 available. Chievo have made their lives a bit difficult and now have to focus on picking up points to avoid relegation, but they’ve shown the ability to play a great game.”