Ranieri: “Determination will be key against Parma”

Claudio Ranieri says Sampdoria will have to be at least as determined as a revitalised Parma side if they are to come away from the Stadio Tardini with a result this weekend.

The boss also called on his men to tighten up defensively as they head into their final fixture of the first half of the Serie A campaign looking to add to their 23-point tally.

“We have 23 points so far but we want a few more on the board. We want to be consistent in our results and our performances to make our fans proud.

“We’ve been letting in too many goals lately and I’m not happy with that. Everyone has to work together to stop the opposition from scoring.”

Parma start the weekend one position above the foot of the table on 13 points but they have picked up in recent weeks following the re-appointment of former coach Roberto D’Aversa.

“He knows the players and how to get them performing well,” Ranieri continued. “Last season they beat us 1-0 at home and at their place we were 2-0 down at half time before turning it around to win 3-2 and secure our top-flight survival.

“Now Parma are up to their necks in it and we must be extremely determined because they certainly will be. Determination will be key tomorrow.”