Sampdoria Coach Marco Giampaolo discussed Patrik Schick, Fabio Quagliarella and Ricky Alvarez ahead of their Serie A opener with Benevento.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Benevento have a very clear idea of football and remind me of my Ascoli side or Giampiero Ventura’s Torino,” said Giampaolo in his Press conference.
Sampdoria Coach Marco Giampaolo discussed Patrik Schick, Fabio Quagliarella and Ricky Alvarez ahead of their Serie A opener with Benevento.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“Benevento have a very clear idea of football and remind me of my Ascoli side or Giampiero Ventura’s Torino,” said Giampaolo in his Press conference.
“There are dangers in every fixture, especially if someone thinks Benevento is going to be a foregone conclusion. There is nothing to be taken for granted in Serie A.
“The debut is a game that everyone is waiting for, it is different to all the others. We have a small advantage, as we know each other well and have been working together for a year now.”
Samp have some issues to deal with, as Schick is still not fully fit after his heart scare and his future unknown amid Inter negotiations.
“Diplomatically, I should say that Schick is a Samp player, but in practical terms he really isn’t. I don’t know how long it will take to get him back in shape. As a Coach, I have to act as if he’s not here. If he does become available, we’ll see what steps to take.
“Quagliarella skipped a few training sessions, but Nicola Murru is available. Fabio is aware of his capabilities and has great self-confidence, becoming an added bonus to the team.
“I must convince Dennis Praet that he is a wide midfielder. I’ve said many times that he is an international level player. I know that I might be saying something unpopular here, but Ricky Alvarez is a great player who unfortunately has a few problems with the fans. He has the eye of critics on him and needs to get out of this by himself. He currently gives only 30 per cent of what he’s truly capable of.
“Sampdoria must work very hard and resume with the same enthusiasm as last year.”