Marco Giampaolo believes Sampdoria can neutralise the Atalanta attacking threat by “working as a collective” and tips Fabio Quagliarella for Capocannoniere.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“These are two teams who the table says are fighting for the same objective, a place in Europe. Atalanta have an extra chance, as they are also in the Coppa Italia semi-final,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Marco Giampaolo believes Sampdoria can neutralise the Atalanta attacking threat by “working as a collective” and tips Fabio Quagliarella for Capocannoniere.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“These are two teams who the table says are fighting for the same objective, a place in Europe. Atalanta have an extra chance, as they are also in the Coppa Italia semi-final,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“As for who plays better out of Sampdoria and Atalanta, that is all a matter of opinion. Atalanta have a strong identity and remarkable attacking potential, with very impressive statistics.
“It’ll be important for us to work as a collective and sacrifice ourselves for the team, because when Atalanta attack, they put so many men forward and take players on individually.”
It is a return to Marassi for Duvan Zapata, who has flourished since the transfer to Atalanta.
“We’re always pleased to see Duvan, as he is an extraordinary professional and an excellent player. He’s physical and difficult to mark. We know his characteristics well, but are not planning any specific individual marking.”
Sampdoria are boosted by news Fabio Quagliarella, Gaston Ramirez and Lorenzo Tonelli are all in the squad after injury concerns during the week.
“Fabio has rediscovered his youth. He is Capocannoniere of Serie A and must maintain the ambition of winning that title. His goals also give Samp a better chance of success.”
The Blucerchiati will be wearing a special jersey tomorrow, to mark the anniversary of founder club Sampierdarenese’s creation.
“It’s beautiful and the nod to history is a wonderful initiative.”
Now that Eusebio Di Francesco has been sacked, Giampaolo is mentioned as one of the candidates to take over at Roma next season.
“I don’t look at such things. We’ve got to change the mentality here at Samp, because we need to be faithful to the club colours if we want to achieve something important here. We are not a club constructed just to help develop and then sell on talent.”