Giampaolo set for Samp debut: “Respect for Bassano but we want to go through”

Marco Giampaolo can’t wait to make his debut in the Sampdoria dugout and insists it will be an occasion he’ll never forget – hopefully for all the right reasons.

The Blucerchiati are set to host Virtus Bassano in the third round of the Coppa Italia on Sunday evening.

“I’ll always remember my Marassi debut, not least because Samp and I both have our birthdays in August,” the boss began, speaking the day after the club celebrated its 70th anniversary.

“This club has a great history and I hope to contribute in my own small way by writing more chapters here.”

Giampaolo is keen to ensure his side get off on the right foot and avoid a potential banana skin against the Lega Pro outfit.

“We must respect this competition, our opponents and our fans and we want to advance to the next round. I don’t think there’s a risk of us lowering our guard – that won’t happen. We must be careful though because in a one-off game any differences in level can be reduced.

“There are no foregone conclusions but nine times out of ten it comes down to what you produce on the pitch and so far we’ve been working well.”