Sampdoria assistant manager Nenad Sakic said the early red card “was decisive” in a 2-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Inter.
Nenad Krsticic was perhaps harshly sent off just 12 minutes in at San Siro for tripping Mauro Icardi, as he was 25 metres from goal and there were other defenders in the vicinity.
“The red card so early on was decisive, as everything changed,” Sakic told Rai Sport. He was filling in for Sinisa Mihajlovic, who is on a touchline ban.
Sampdoria assistant manager Nenad Sakic said the early red card “was decisive” in a 2-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Inter.
Nenad Krsticic was perhaps harshly sent off just 12 minutes in at San Siro for tripping Mauro Icardi, as he was 25 metres from goal and there were other defenders in the vicinity.
“The red card so early on was decisive, as everything changed,” Sakic told Rai Sport. He was filling in for Sinisa Mihajlovic, who is on a touchline ban.
“We also had numerous second string players, so it became doubly difficult. It’s a shame for Krsticic, as he’s a great lad. In the end we actually went down to nine men, so that’s far too tough against a side like Inter.
“Should it have been a red card? There’s no point discussing it now. The referee pulled out the red and we just have to deal with it.
“We had to make these choices because on Sunday we have a very important Serie A match against Palermo. In any case, those who played proved they can be useful options for us.
“President Ferrero complimented us in the locker room. He said we’ll make up for it against Palermo.”
Stefano Okaka played just days after he was sent home early from training due to a row with Mihajlovic and director of sport Carlo Osti.
“There was never a problem. Okaka has always given a great deal to Samp and will continue to do so.”
Sampdoria are waiting for Samuel Eto’o to free himself from Everton, but the Toffees are still holding firm.
“Let’s wait for him to arrive first, then we’ll talk. Mihajlovic will certainly be able to use him in the best possible way. He’s an excellent player.”