Giampaolo dedicates derby win to players and fans

Marco Giampaolo is now officially ‘Mr Derby della Lanterna’. No coach has won as many Genoa derbies as he has – five – in the three-points-for-a-win era. And this one was the toughest of the lot.

“You can imagine how much responsibility we felt coming into this game,” the coach began after Doria edged to a 1-0 victory on Saturday evening.

“It was no ordinary derby with three massive points for both sides in the relegation scrap. The lads did brilliantly to keep their heads. We knew how much this meant to our fans. Anyone who’s played in the derby before knows that. Today’s win is a big leap forward but we still need a few more points to be sure.

“Our fans really wanted us to win and I think this victory has made them happy. It’s dedicated to them, the Sampdoria fans, and to the team, my players.”

Giampaolo also had a few words to say about goalscorer Abdelhamid Sabiri and Emil Audero, whose last-minute penalty save ensured Samp took all three points.

“Sabiri is young and needed a confidence boost. I’m especially happy for Audero.

“I’m used to criticism but it’s worth it if you get to play and win games like this. I came back to put myself on the line because Sampdoria is part of me.

“Now we have to finish the job and we’ll get stuck into training again on Monday.”