Sampdoria boss Claudio Ranieri has said tomorrow’s Coppa Italia game against Genoa is the first derby he coaches in a knock-out stage: ‘But nothing changes.’
Sampdoria and Genoa meet at the Ferraris on Thursday in the fourth round of the Coppa Italia. The game kicks off at 4pm GMT.
“I’ve never played a derby in a knock-out stage,” Ranieri said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Sampdoria boss Claudio Ranieri has said tomorrow’s Coppa Italia game against Genoa is the first derby he coaches in a knock-out stage: ‘But nothing changes.’
Sampdoria and Genoa meet at the Ferraris on Thursday in the fourth round of the Coppa Italia. The game kicks off at 4pm GMT.
“I’ve never played a derby in a knock-out stage,” Ranieri said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“It’s thrilling, I do this job for these emotions. Derbies are special games already, this time there will be no coming back. Either we win and qualify for the next stage or lose and go home.
“There are no differences between league and Coppa Italia derbies," Ranieri insisted.
"These kind of games are always different from any other match.”
The Serie A derby played on November 1 ended 1-1 with goals come courtesy of Jakub Jankto for the Blucerchiati and Gianluca Scamacca for the Grifone.
“We are determined. We’ve done well so far but we also committed some mistakes. I’ll choose the best XI. Genoa are a good team, episodes can be crucial," Ranieri claimed.
“Scamacca is a striker who is bringing goals and, sometimes, points.
“I always tell my players to be concentrated and willing to fight until the end without listening to the referee. They must respect him and give the best.”