Sampdoria are going all-out for the “ferocious counter-attack” against his former club Parma tomorrow evening, assures Coach Mimmo Di Carlo.
“It will be a test of character for us and we must be ready, responding blow upon blow,” said the tactician.
“Parma may be bottom of the table, but we also have a real hunger for points. I expect a high tempo from the start, as we must contain and then strike ferociously on the counter-attack.”
Sampdoria are going all-out for the “ferocious counter-attack” against his former club Parma tomorrow evening, assures Coach Mimmo Di Carlo.
“It will be a test of character for us and we must be ready, responding blow upon blow,” said the tactician.
“Parma may be bottom of the table, but we also have a real hunger for points. I expect a high tempo from the start, as we must contain and then strike ferociously on the counter-attack.”
Curiously, Di Carlo was fired at the Tardini after a 2-1 defeat to Samp in March 2008, but is now on the other bench.
“I will always be grateful to the city of Parma and President Tommaso Ghirardi, who gave me the opportunity to make my Serie A debut.
“We could've done more together, but it didn't turn out that way. It is part of this sport for Coaches to be put up for debate and at times also fired.”
Franco Semioli is out of action along with Antonio Cassano, who is in the process of having his contract terminated for insubordination.
It has been said that in Cassano's absence the side has struggled to create scoring opportunities.
“The last few performances have been strong. For example, the defence has improved a great deal and the team is more balanced, which also influences the chances we create. We're on the right track.
“Parma don't deserve to be at the bottom of the table and have always created a great deal in their games, but failed to make the most of their chances. They'll be fired up and eager to recoup precious points.”
Sampdoria fans have been barred from making the trip to the Tardini in a decision that Di Carlo dubbed “ridiculous.”
The two sets of supporters are twinned and Parma fans announced a curious pledge to make up for the Doriani's absence by bringing in their banners tomorrow evening.