Sampdoria striker Stefano Okaka says it's 'the right time to beat Roma' ahead of Monday's clash with his former club.
The 25-year-old was touted as a prospect in his time with the Giallorossi youth team, but he never quite reached the levels that were expected of him and his career eventually took him to the Blucerchiati.
With the two teams playing on Monday evening at the Olimpico, Okaka believes his knowledge of the scene gives him special insight.
Sampdoria striker Stefano Okaka says it's 'the right time to beat Roma' ahead of Monday's clash with his former club.
The 25-year-old was touted as a prospect in his time with the Giallorossi youth team, but he never quite reached the levels that were expected of him and his career eventually took him to the Blucerchiati.
With the two teams playing on Monday evening at the Olimpico, Okaka believes his knowledge of the scene gives him special insight.
“Being acquainted with the Roman environment, I can say that this is the right moment to beat them,” he said, in an interview with Sky Sports 24.
“It's best to face them now, though it must be said that Roma still have great players.
“We'll need aggression and conviction, or winning is going to be really hard.”
It was pointed out to the striker that Sampdoria still haven't defeated any major team this year, but he was quick to differ.
“I think Fiorentina are a great team, but we beat them when playing at home.
“Maybe we haven't won that much since I've been here, or perhaps we haven't expressed our potential the way we'd have liked in stadiums like the Olimpico.
“But in there you face great teams and a particular atmosphere, so for a young team like ours it's hard to play and win.”