Giampaolo: “Happy to be at Samp, AC Milan just another opponent”

As far as Marco Giampaolo is concerned, the late loss away against Roma has already been forgotten and the focus is fully on Friday’s game against AC Milan.

“We did well in parts against Roma, but that game is in the past,” the Blucerchiati coach declared. “Now our thoughts have to be solely on the Rossoneri; as a team they’re already playing as their manager wants them to. Possession is one of his big things and he’s got a lot of talented players in attack. It will be a tough match.

“Five days are enough to recover physically,” Giampaolo continued. “If I make any changes, they’ll be for tactical or technical reasons. We’ve lost Ricky Alvarez who was doing very well, but we’ve got a natural replacement in Dennis Praet.”

Doria’s new manager also touched on the summer’s managerial comings and goings: “Samp were the first club to get in contact over the summer, saying that if Vincenzo Montella left I could be a possible replacement.

“I did speak with Milan but after they went for Montella, the Blucerchiati stuck to their word. I’m happy to be here, it’s a great club with both young talent and good experience. The foundations are there to achieve something big.”