Giampaolo: “Shame we couldn’t get a goal to make it interesting”

Gone in 60 seconds. Well, 68. That’s how much time passed between Napoli’s first and second goals as Sampdoria slipped to a 3-0 defeat at the San Paolo, with Simone Verdi’s late penalty rounding off the scoring.

Despite the result, Doria didn’t play badly – they just couldn’t get the goal that might have changed the complexion of the encounter, as Marco Giampaolo explained afterwards.

“That double blow knocked us for six,” the boss began. If we’d managed to score one, it would have made it more difficult for them and we’d have troubled them till the end of the game, but didn’t happen. It’s a shame.

“We came here and tried to play our game and there’s no shame in losing at Napoli. It doesn’t change what we’re doing. In the last 10 games, we’ve lost to Juventus in Turin and to Napoli in Naples so I think that’s ok. I’d be more worried if we weren’t playing good football.”

Giampaolo also commented on Fabio Quagliarella’s performance as the veteran striker was unable to extend the Serie A record for scoring in consecutive games.

“He went close a couple of times. I’m sorry he couldn’t get a goal, but his recall to the national team is fully deserved.”