Sampdoria Coach Marco Giampaolo knows all too well that “winning the Genoa Derby is priceless and it’s a privilege to take part in it.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“The Derby della Lanterna is always an exciting occasion. I think it’s a privilege to take part in this fixture, both as a player and a Coach,” said Giampaolo in his Press conference.
Sampdoria Coach Marco Giampaolo knows all too well that “winning the Genoa Derby is priceless and it’s a privilege to take part in it.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“The Derby della Lanterna is always an exciting occasion. I think it’s a privilege to take part in this fixture, both as a player and a Coach,” said Giampaolo in his Press conference.
“We always played derbies to win, knowing full well that meant the risk of losing, because we know what it means. It’s unpredictable, ruled by emotions, sentiment and tension. We know the feeling that sweeps over the whole city.
“It’s a ritual every time in the derby that the fans will unite under the team hotel to cheer us on the night before the match. It’s a joyful occasion. If there are some who haven’t played the derby before, they realise many things in those moments.”
Genoa are fresh from a 1-1 draw with Napoli, despite having Stefano Sturaro sent off and therefore suspended.
“I heard that Genoa could play with a 3-5-2 formation and I saw the Napoli match, but after Sturaro’s dismissal they tended to play with four at the back. I want to point out that it’s not systems facing off, but players.
“I love the players that I am working with, I kill myself with hard work for them and, with all due respect to the other teams, I wouldn’t swap any of them.”
Giampaolo is an old hand at the Genoa Derby, but it is the first for new Grifone boss Cesare Prandelli.
“It’s not easy from the bench, as you want to experience this wonderful spectacle of the derby, but you’re too focused on your team. There is a great deal at stake tomorrow and not just in terms of local pride.
“I really admire Prandelli and in the past also studied his training sessions. When I started out, he was already making his mark.”
Giampaolo could become the first Samp Coach to avoid defeat in six editions of the Derby della Lanterna.
“It would be very pleasing indeed. We’re working to achieve it. I hope to have many more derbies here, though in football you can never tell. I’m ready to do anything for the derby, as winning this fixture is priceless.
“There’s so much to play for, as it’s the derby, three points to stay in the race for Europe and proving ourselves after Sunday’s defeat to Roma, which felt so unfair. Football results really can lie.”