Marco Giampaolo aims to keep Sampdoria’s perfect record by visiting Roma and old friend Luciano Spalletti. “Responsible but cocky.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We’re aware that we are facing a strong team, but go in with our heads held high,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Marco Giampaolo aims to keep Sampdoria’s perfect record by visiting Roma and old friend Luciano Spalletti. “Responsible but cocky.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“We’re aware that we are facing a strong team, but go in with our heads held high,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Samp are surprisingly top of the Serie A table after two consecutive victories and also won in the Coppa Italia.
“Is it an exam for us? I think it’s more of a ‘stress test’ and there will be another after that. In every game there are opponents who test you. It will be difficult, we must face it respecting ourselves and trying to emerge having played our game rather than succumbing to what the opposition wants.
“It probably is a test of our character. We are playing at the Stadio Olimpico and some of our squad have never played there. We must have the ‘ability’ to not care. We’ll be responsible yes, but cocky.”
Roma have stuttered so far this season, crashing out of the Champions League to Porto and fumbling a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Cagliari.
“Some of their issues are probably down to the fact that many players are good at keeping the ball, but not so much when the opposition has possession. Tomorrow we must work hard and take the right approach, making the most of whatever chances Roma allow us.”
Luis Muriel said he’s in the form of his life, but just returned from international duty with Colombia yesterday.
“He trained this morning with us and I think he can play a game. I won’t just leave out a player who is in such stunning form.”
Giampaolo is good friends with Roma Coach Spalletti.
“It’s a rapport that goes way back. He lives close to Empoli and last year we had more than one opportunity to meet up. He’s a pleasant person to be around, you can always learn from him.
“A few years ago I was his guest at training to learn from his coaching methods. I think he has football sensibility that goes beyond the norm.
“He always aims for targets that others might not see, so I have always felt enriched by his presence.”
Sampdoria squad for Roma: Krapikas, Puggioni, Viviano; Dodo, Pavlovic, Pereira, Regini, Sala, Silvestre, Skriniar; Alvarez, Barreto, Cigarini, Eramo, Fernandes, Linetty, Palombo, Praet, Torreira; Budimir, Muriel, Quagliarella, Schick