Torino coach Ivan Juric apologised to Sampdoria and their supporters after former Genoa striker Pietro Pellegri taunted them whilst celebrating his 94th minute goal.
The 22-year-old Italian forward, who is a product of the Genoa’s youth system, crowned off the Granata’s win with his 94th minute strike, guaranteeing all three points for his team.
Following the goal, Pellegri seemed to hesitate for a moment, before turning around and cupping his ears with his hands whilst facing the Sampdoria fans, taunting them. He was given a yellow card for his ‘provocative celebration’.
Speaking in his press conference after the match, Juric was immediately asked about Pellegri’s celebration.
“Very condemnable and I feel like apologising on behalf of all of us to Sampdoria and its fans. You have to show respect for the opponent.
“They are going through a bad period, very condemnable and it absolutely should not have happened.”
He was later asked if the 22-year-old regretted his decision to celebrate in that manner.
“I don’t want to talk to him at the moment. I don’t have many words to say. He also wants to apologise, he has realised but I remain of the opinion that these things should not be done.”
Pellegri later apologised to the Sampdoria fans when speaking to DAZN.
“Everyone knows the story, I was born a Genoa supporter, I made a mistake. When one makes a mistake, one must apologise.
“I am here to apologise to Sampdoria, to the Sampdoria players and to the Sampdoria fans. Sorry.”
The defeat leaves Sampdoria rock bottom of the Serie A table with five games left to play, sitting multiple wins behind 17th place Hellas Verona. Relegation now looks inevitable for the Ligurian outfit, increasing the unhappiness surrounding the club.