Cesare Prandelli can’t wait to experience the Genoa Derby for himself. “The way I see it, this is the Derby d’Italia and a unique atmosphere.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“The derby is the game everyone wants to experience and play in,” said the Coach ahead of his first Derby della Lanterna between Genoa and Sampdoria.
Cesare Prandelli can’t wait to experience the Genoa Derby for himself. “The way I see it, this is the Derby d’Italia and a unique atmosphere.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“The derby is the game everyone wants to experience and play in,” said the Coach ahead of his first Derby della Lanterna between Genoa and Sampdoria.
“You feel strong sensations and I can’t wait to get started. The way I see it, this is the Derby d’Italia, because it brings together contrasts and familiarity too. It’s a unique atmosphere.
“It’ll be a game within a game in the stands too. The atmosphere in the stadium will have a big effect on the match and that means it is the most unpredictable of fixtures.”
While Sampdoria are still in with a possible chance of a Europa League place, Genoa are not yet entirely safe from relegation.
“We are up against a Samp side that passes the ball well and builds from the back. They’ve been playing together for years with this style, whereas we are still trying to find our balance. It’s about pressing, but not losing our tactical equilibrium.
“The performances against Juventus and Napoli taught us that we can do well against the big clubs. Samp are an excellent team, so I consider them in the same group.
“Marco Giampaolo is a Coach capable of moulding a team to his ideas. He is a teacher of football. If I had to take a player away from Samp, it’d be Fabio Quagliarella.”