Measured response from Giampaolo: “We’re satisfied but want more”

“We’re satisfied with what we’ve achieved so far, but we cannot allow ourselves to settle for this.”

Marco Giampaolo knows as well as anyone else how well Sampdoria have done in 2017/18, as the club has already overtaken last year’s points haul of 48. Nevertheless, there remains a bitter taste at not winning the Derby della Lanterna.

“I can’t fault anything with the team,” the coach continued, “we tried our best, even if we were a little sloppy.

“Genoa did everything to disrupt out play, defending with everything they had. The referee let a lot go, it was on the limit of what’s allowed.

“Over the last two years, Samp have dominated the derby, winning three and drawing one. Long may this continue.”

The point keeps us one ahead of Atalanta but still in Fiorentina’s shadow: the coach wrapped up his post-match analysis with a few words on the race for Europe.

“We’re right there, crashing the party at the top of the league table. We’re fully motivated and we’ve just had one off-week. Whoever’s the best will get the spot.”