Sampdoria coach Claudio Ranieri said the Blucerchiati will ‘honour the champions with a great performance’ when they travel to Inter.

The Nerazzurri picked up their first Scudetto in 11 years last weekend and host Sampdoria as the newly crowned champions of Italy.

The Blucerchiati picked up a 2-1 win at the Marassi in January and are the last team to defeat the champions and Ranieri vowed to give it another go on Saturday.

Sampdoria coach Claudio Ranieri said the Blucerchiati will ‘honour the champions with a great performance’ when they travel to Inter.

The Nerazzurri picked up their first Scudetto in 11 years last weekend and host Sampdoria as the newly crowned champions of Italy.

The Blucerchiati picked up a 2-1 win at the Marassi in January and are the last team to defeat the champions and Ranieri vowed to give it another go on Saturday.

“When we faced Inter in the first leg, I couldn’t think that we would be the last to beat them and that they would have won the League with four games remaining,” Ranieri said at a press conference.

“It was clear that it was a great team and that they would fight to win it. I wouldn’t have expected such a beautiful and intense championship, there will be a party and they will try to win, but we will not be the sacrificial lamb.

“We will try to play a great game and honour the Italian champions. We must suffer, the quality and enthusiasm of Inter will allow them to fly on the pitch. We need attention, let’s keep our feet on the ground.”

Sampdoria sit ninth in Serie A with 45 points, eight points behind Sassuolo at eight, and Ranieri reiterated the target of collecting 52 points this term.

“I aim for 52 points, this is my mantra,” Ranieri added. “It annoys that you think Sampdoria can give up once they reach safety.

“The desire to fight and have a great run-in must always be there.”

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