Sampdoria boss Claudio Ranieri says his side were "built to play in a 4-3-1-2," and that the resentment towards referees in Italy "is an ugly thing."
Ranieri’s side welcome Fiorentina to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris tomorrow, with kick off at 14:00 GMT. You can read the match preview here.
Samp won on their last outing, a 3-1 win against Torino.
Sampdoria boss Claudio Ranieri says his side were "built to play in a 4-3-1-2," and that the resentment towards referees in Italy "is an ugly thing."
Ranieri’s side welcome Fiorentina to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris tomorrow, with kick off at 14:00 GMT. You can read the match preview here.
Samp won on their last outing, a 3-1 win against Torino.
“The victory against Torino was important because it gave us three points,” said Ranieri in his press conference.
“We know it will be a hard-fought league right until the end of the season. The important thing was to win another game, and this increases confidence.”
Ranieri has utilised a 4-3-1-2 system in recent games, with Gaston Ramirez playing in behind Fabio Quagliarella and Manolo Gabbiadini, so will the system stay?
“We know that the team was built for that system and it’s logical that it’s in its DNA. I remember when I want to Napoli, post-Diego Maradona, and I tried to play four in midfield, but the team didn’t like it.
“They started playing again when I put Gianfranco Zola as a No 10 behind two strikers.
“Now with the return of Fabio Depaoli, we could play a 4-4-2 against a side who plays 3-5-2.”
VAR has once again been a source of controversy in Italy in the last few days, with the most recent case coming in the Coppa Italia semi final first leg involving Milan and Juventus.
“In England, I can’t remember if it was a man from the league or a referee himself who said that football is a product and sold around the world, and therefore it doesn’t look good to criticise the referee.
“In Italy the referee is always blamed, it’s a very ugly thing. Protesting systematically about everything is not nice for those who have to buy the product, and it must be very beautifully tactical and fluid.”
Ranieri was then asked about his experience as coach of Samp.
“When you come into a team when the season has already started there are always difficulties because you don’t know the players.
“It’s one thing to know them as opponents and another to coach them.
“Other players could’ve played if I had tested them in pre-season. I don’t make many changes because I can’t afford to make mistakes.
“I came here to work with my head down, and I am satisfied. Because I found a wonderful working environment and this allows me to feel at home.
“That is important for a coach."