Di Francesco: “We need to take risks to come back in these games”

Eusebio Di Francesco expressed his frustration after ten-man Sampdoria slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina on Wednesday night, particularly given the circumstances in which the result came about.

“We did very well in the first 20 minutes, but then we made life hard for ourselves with mistakes getting the ball out from the back, which allowed Fiorentina to move up the field,” said the coach after the result. “I prefer to focus on the responsibilities of my players than the performance of the referee, though the red card to Murillo definitely changed the course of the game.”

Despite being a man light, Di Francesco was pleased that his side were able to stand firm and get themselves back into the game through Federico Bonazzoli.

“The team did well to stay in the game right until the end,” he said. “They never gave up, they kept believing – but they need to believe even more. Losing 2-1 is not enough. You have to take risks in these situations: we could have and should have done more to try and complete the comeback.”

Di Francesco also provided an update on the fitness of Manolo Gabbiadini, who was forced off with injury at the Franchi.

“Gabbiadini had some pain in his adductor and asked to come off at half time,” he confirmed. “Quagliarella has had a neck problem and didn’t train in the days leading up to the game, but I hope to have him back for the next match.”