Target within reach, says Quagliarella

With his 12th goal of the season, a late strike from the penalty spot, Fabio Quagliarella earned Sampdoria a narrow win over Udinese on Sunday, which secured the team’s standing at ninth in the Serie A table.

Speaking after the match, he said: “It was a great win out there, at a ground that is always tough. This demonstrates that, though we’ve been criticised over the years for dropping off at the end of the season, we’re very keen to get as many points as possible.

“Penalties are there to be taken and to be scored, most importantly. It’s never easy, especially when you’re up against a good ‘keeper. It was a very important penalty. It went in and I’m very happy.”

The striker added: “The target set by the boss is within reach. We’ve got another match to play, which will be tough, because there are no easy games in Serie A.

“I hope to get into triple figures as soon as possible for this club, which means a great deal to me.

“I’d like to dedicate this goal to my mum, who recently had a very unique operation. Fortunately it went well.”