Giampaolo starts against his past: “We’re ready for Empoli”

You couldn’t have written a more intriguing script, could you?

Marco Giampaolo’s maiden Serie A outing in charge of Sampdoria takes place at the Stadio Castellani against Empoli – the side he guided to a commendable mid-table finish last term serving up an entertaining brand of football along the way.

He knows things will be very different when he returns to his old haunt and takes his place in the visitors’ dugout on Sunday evening.

“I had some great times at Empoli but I expect to be greeted as an opponent tomorrow,” the boss admitted at his pre-match press conference.

“Empoli have a very clear playing identity whereas we are still working on ours. But we faced some tricky teams over the summer and we always handled ourselves well so I think we’re ready.”

Giampaolo also commented on recent comings and goings at the club.

“With the exception of Castan, all the players who have left did so because that’s what they wanted.

“Praet was an expensive signing and from what I’ve seen of him on video he’s an excellent player but you only really get to know a footballer once you start working with him on the training ground.”

More from the boss in our video recap below.