Marco Giampaolo is impressed by the new Spanish-style Udinese and said Sampdoria are “working on something different” this year.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.30 UK time (18.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Blucerchiati and Genoa saw their opening fixtures postponed last week as a mark of respect for the 43 who died in the collapse of the Ponte Morandi in the port city.
Marco Giampaolo is impressed by the new Spanish-style Udinese and said Sampdoria are “working on something different” this year.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.30 UK time (18.30 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Blucerchiati and Genoa saw their opening fixtures postponed last week as a mark of respect for the 43 who died in the collapse of the Ponte Morandi in the port city.
“Last week, I was prepared to not play, because the over-riding priority was to show respect to those who were mourning,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“This tragedy is unacceptable. We attended the state funerals and saw the families of the victims who came to thank us for our presence. It was heart-breaking. The city of Genoa wants to be visited and supported, but not pitied.”
The campaign does kick off for Samp at the Dacia Arena against Udinese.
“I saw Udinese play under Julio Velazquez and I was impressed. They are different to the Udinese we are accustomed to seeing, as you can see some traces of Spanish football with interesting passing lines.
“We’re still not in great condition, so I don’t have any doubts over the starting XI. Perhaps those doubts will grow over time when more players are fully integrated and fit.
“This is a new season with new players, so it’s wrong to make comparisons with the past. We are working on something different.”
Riccardo Saponara and Lorenzo Tonelli arrived on transfer deadline day, hoping to revitalise their careers after spells with Fiorentina and Napoli.
“These are two players who need to feel good both physically and mentally to give their best and recently they haven’t been playing consistently.
“Saponara has been playing in the trequartista role for a lifetime, including with me at Empoli, so it’s not a tactical issue to get him ready. Albin Ekdal needs to improve his fitness levels and we are introducing him gradually.”